Thousands of child-on-child sexual offenses reported at schools in England and Wales
Exclusive: Average of nearly five sexual crimes a day against under-13s were reported to police between 2021 and 2025

TL;DR
- An average of nearly five sexual crimes against children under 13 were reported daily in schools in England and Wales between 2021 and 2025.
- The data includes almost 2,000 reports of rape and attempted rape, with over a third of rape victims being under 13.
- At least 8,500 sexual offenses against under-13s occurred on or near school premises during this period.
- Most perpetrators were likely fellow pupils, with nearly 1,900 offenses committed by offenders under 18.
- Girls are more likely to be victims, accounting for nearly two-thirds of documented cases involving under-13s.
- Additional data shows over 6,000 crimes related to indecent images of children under 18 were reported in schools.
- Campaigners describe the abuse as "widespread, normalised and too often brushed under the carpet."
- The government acknowledges the figures as "appalling" and highlights existing measures and future plans to address sexual violence and online harms.