The conviction of a former teacher has prompted a statement from St Peter’s Cambridge recognising the “courage of alumni witnesses”.
Geoffrey Coker, Director of Music at St Peter’s School Cambridge from 1974 to 1976, was found guilty last week of historic sex offences.
John Macaskill-Smith
“Our School Trust Board wishes to acknowledge these alumni survivors for their willingness to speak out about their deeply personal experiences of abuse,” chair John Macaskill-Smith said.
“The witnesses were crucial in ensuring that justice was served in this case.”
The trial against the former staff member came about following the school’s acknowledgement and apology in November 2021 to alumni survivors of historical abuse.
At that time, the board said the school failed to protect alumni survivors from abuse occurring, and for that it was profoundly sorry.
A listening service was set up and is still active.
Macaskill-Smith said it was likely the conviction of Coker could prompt other St Peter’s alumni to want to report their experiences of historical abuse to police.
“The board pledges that the school will continue to fully cooperate with police on any future investigations into historical abuses that may arise.”
St Peter’s School, Cambridge
