A former PE teacher from Chippenham has been found guilty of sexual offences against a 16-year-old boy who was a pupil at the school where she taught.

Bronwen James, 30, was found guilty by a jury sitting at Winchester Crown Court of three counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust. The verdict was reached by a majority.

James was found not guilty of one further count of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust.

The offences for which she was convicted involved a 16-year-old boy who was attending Bitterne Park School in Southampton while James was employed there as a PE teacher.

Her trial opened on Tuesday, September 1, with James denying that she had sex with the teenage boy or exchanged flirtatious messages with him.

However, the case also involved sexual offences against two female pupils, with James having already admitted offences against both girls at an earlier hearing in January.

One of the girls was a pupil at Bitterne Park School. She was 13 when inappropriate communications began and was 14 at the time of the sexual activity. James admitted four counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual communication with a child in relation to that pupil. She also admitted offences against a girl at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham. The girl was also 13 when inappropriate communications began and 14 when the sexual activity took place.

In relation to the second girl, James pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of sexual communication with a child and one count of making indecent images of a child.

The case has therefore involved three pupils across two schools, with James admitting offences involving two girls and being convicted following trial of three offences involving a male pupil.

Wiltshire Police said James had worked as a teacher at a number of schools, placing her in a position of trust around children. Detective Investigator Francesca Mason, of Wiltshire Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“Bronwen James was employed as a teacher at a number of schools. This was a role in which she held a position of trust. The children under her supervision had every right to look to her for support and guidance.

“However, the jury sitting at Winchester Crown Court today heard how Bronwen James betrayed the trust placed in her by cynically manipulating these children. She encouraged them to engage in sexual activity for her own selfish gratification.

“This is someone who they had looked up to as a mentor and role model - tragically nothing could have been further from the truth, she is a sexual predator.

“The survivors of this abuse will have to live with the impact of Bronwen James’ actions which took place at a pivotal time in their emotional development.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to each of them for their bravery in reporting these offences and their forbearance in awaiting the justice they deserve.”

The case has also prompted concern among people discussing the verdict online, particularly around how individuals who pose a potential risk to children may gain access to positions where they can regularly interact with young people.

One person questioned why the offences allegedly continued while James was on bail, writing:

“I'm actively trying to understand why she continued these offences whilst on bail.”

Another commenter raised concerns about safeguarding checks, saying:

“Sooo.... l've come to the conclusion that DBS checks are completely useless atp because the amount of cases similar to this one is beyond concerning.”

A third person focused on the wider issue of people potentially seeking roles that provide access to children, writing:

“This is becoming really worrying now because we are now seeing regular patterns of predators who may seek out employment or voluntary positions that provide them regular access to children.”

DBS checks are designed to help employers make safer recruitment decisions, but they are only one part of safeguarding and do not provide a guarantee that someone poses no risk. The circumstances of each case, including what information was previously known or recorded, can affect what appears on a check.

James has been bailed to appear before the court on Monday, September 14, when she will be remanded in custody and a sentencing date will be set.

The latest court outcome means James has now been found guilty of three offences relating to the 16-year-old boy, while also having admitted separate sexual offences against two female pupils. The case has highlighted the serious responsibility placed on teachers and other adults working with children, as well as the lasting impact sexual abuse can have on those affected.