The former headteacher of a Southampton girl’s school was charged with a sex offence against a child - this is everything we know so far.

Who is James Rouse and what charge does he face?

James Edwin Rouse, 48, the former head at St Anne’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College, was charged with sexual activity with a child in abusing his position of trust.

It comes as Hampshire police investigate allegations of people abusing their position of trust at the school in 2006 – with four former teachers also under investigation by police.

When is James Rouse in court?

Rouse – who was headteacher of the school as recently as last year – will appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court.

Rouse, of Lowford Hill Close in Southampton, faces magistrates on January 13.

What led up to police charge?

In a statement, a spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “This follows a thorough and robust investigation by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s specialist Operation Marmion team, who investigate allegations of non-recent sexual abuse perpetrated within institutions or by people of prominence.

“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse to contact 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.”

St Anne's Catholic School and Sixth Form College (Image: Matt Davey) READ MORE: Former headteacher at St Anne's Catholic school accused of child abuse

Has Ofsted been involved?

Ofsted carried out an urgent inspection of the school on Carlton Road in July 2024 to inspect safeguarding procedures at the school.

Inspector Christopher Steve said safeguarding is effective but noted "some pupils in the school do not feel confident in raising any concerns or worries they have with school staff.”

What does the school say?

Following the sexual abuse allegations aimed at its former headteacher, a spokesperson for St Anne’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College issued a statement.

The school said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the allegations of historic sexual abuse linked to former members of our staff body.

“This is clearly deeply disturbing news for all of our community. We have only ever wanted St Anne’s to be a place of aspiration, education and sanctuary, and our thoughts and prayers are with victims.

“We continue to assist the police during their investigation, and have extensive support in place for our students, staff and wider community to help them digest this news.

“As part of this process, it is important to stress that over recent months we have fully assessed and examined every aspect of how we keep our students happy and safe.

"This has included a number of external reviews of our safeguarding, which have found that our culture, leadership and processes are effective.”

They added: “Ourselves, along with a number of our partner organisations, are here for anyone if they feel they have been the victim of any form of inappropriate behaviour or abuse. We would encourage people to reach out to those that they trust if they have anything they would like to share.”