Thousands of child-on-child sexual offences reported at schools in England and Wales
Police data for 2021-25 shows an average of nearly five sexual crimes a day against under-13s in primary and secondary schools, prompting condemnation from lawyers and campaigners.
Thousands of sexual offences committed by children against other children in schools across England and Wales are being reported to police every year, with an average of nearly five crimes a day recorded against victims aged 12 and younger between 2021 and 2025.
An analysis of police data has revealed the scale of child-on-child sexual abuse in primary and secondary schools, including multiple rapes. The offences range from unwanted touching to the most serious sexual assaults, according to the investigation.
Lawyers and campaigners have condemned what they describe as the horrifying scale of the problem, warning that the figures expose a systemic failure to protect young children in educational settings. The data suggests that schools are increasingly becoming the location for serious sexual crimes committed by minors against their peers.
The findings have prompted urgent questions about safeguarding procedures, reporting mechanisms, and the support available to victims and perpetrators. Experts note that many incidents may still go unreported, meaning the true scale of the problem could be even greater than the police records indicate.
Child-on-child abuse covers a wide spectrum of behaviour, from inappropriate touching and sexual harassment to rape. The fact that such offences are being recorded by police in both primary and secondary schools highlights the need for early intervention and comprehensive sex education, according to child protection specialists.
Campaigners argue that schools must do more to create an environment where children feel safe to report abuse and where allegations are taken seriously. They also stress the importance of providing adequate training for teachers and staff to recognise and respond to signs of sexual harm among pupils.
The analysis comes amid growing concern about the impact of pornography, social media, and peer pressure on young people's behaviour. While the data does not explain the causes, professionals working in child protection say the figures underscore the urgent need for a national conversation about how children learn about consent and respect.
Legal experts point out that the criminal justice system faces significant challenges in handling cases involving very young offenders and victims. The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is 10, meaning children as young as 10 can be prosecuted for sexual offences, though most cases involving under-13s are dealt with outside the courts.
The government has been urged to review safeguarding policies in schools and to ensure that all incidents are properly recorded and investigated. A spokesperson for the Department for Education said that schools have a duty to protect pupils and that any form of sexual abuse is unacceptable.
Charities supporting victims of sexual abuse have called for more funding for specialist services, including counselling and therapeutic support for children affected by such crimes. They warn that without early help, victims may suffer long-term psychological damage.
The investigation also raises questions about how schools handle allegations involving their own pupils, particularly when both the victim and the perpetrator are children. Balancing the need for safety with the welfare of all children involved is a complex task that requires careful handling by trained professionals.
As the figures emerge, there is a growing consensus that schools, parents, and authorities must work together to address the root causes of child-on-child sexual abuse and to ensure that every child is protected from harm.
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