Former headteacher charged with historic child sexual abuse offence at Southampton school

Following allegations of child sexual abuse at St Anne’s Catholic school and Sixth Form College former headteacher, James Edwin Rouse now aged 48 is set to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates court on 13th January 2025 after being charged with abuse of position of trust and sexual activity with a child. Four other former teachers currently remain under investigation following similar allegations. 

This follows an investigation by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s specialist Operation Marmion team, who have been investigating these allegations which are dated back to 2006. 

An urgent inspection of safeguarding procedures was investigated by Ofsted at the school in July this year. Inspector Christopher Steve concluded that the safeguarding is effective however ‘some pupils in the school do not feel confident in raising any concerns or worries they have with school staff.’

The school are planning to take further actions in enquiring as to why their students do not feel confident enough to report their concerns. The school are continuing to assist police in their investigation and have had ‘extensive support’ available for children. 

A statement by the Hampshire constabulary highlights how the investigation was ‘thorough and robust’ and urges anyone who has been a survivor of child sexual abuse to report this immediately. 

The Hampshire Constabulary have suggested that this can be done by contacting the police on 101 where you can speak with a police officer in confidence referencing Op Stonecrop or by submitting information online by going to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC23M03-PO1 quoting reference number 44230175402.

Alternatively, anyone impacted by child sexual abuse can also contact Child Line on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult who has been affected, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.