A FORMER teacher is now on the Sex Offenders Register after he admitted 'inappropriately touching' one of his private school pupils.

Ian Rowley was sentenced at Oxford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to one count of engaging in sexual activity with a boy.

Thames Valley Police said that in 2014, Oxford resident Rowley, 55, had 'inappropriately touched' a schoolboy, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

His victim was one of his pupils at St Edward's School in North Oxford; a prestigious boarding school also known as Teddies, where he taught for more than 20 years.

Rowley started working at the school in 1994 but left in July last year, vacating his most recent role as a French teacher. 

Rowley, of Cherwell Street in St Clement's, was handed a 16 week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £115 victim surcharge.

Investigating officer detective constable Holly Wood, of Thames Valley Police's child abuse unit, said: “I am pleased that the defendant pleaded guilty to this offence, thereby sparing the victim from giving evidence.

“I would also like to praise the bravery of the victim in coming forward and throughout this process, which I know has been extremely distressing for him and his family."

Magistrates also agreed Rowley, who was charged on February 28, must participate in a sex offenders' treatment programme for 63 days.

He will be listed on the Sex Offenders Register for seven years.

Detective constable Wood added: “I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of this type of offence to report it to police by calling 101.

“You will be listened to, we will fully support you, and we will look to secure convictions wherever possible.”

St Edward's School is based in Woodstock Road, Summertown and offers boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 13-18 years-old.

The school's warden Stephen Jones said: “The wellbeing of the pupils in our care is our highest priority. 

"We notified the appropriate external authorities as soon as we became aware of the allegation against Ian Rowley, and we have co-operated fully throughout the investigation that led to this sentence.

“We take our safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. This matter was brought to light via the school’s well-established speak-up culture, which is well understood by all pupils and staff.

"The Independent Schools Inspectorate recently reviewed our safeguarding procedures and judged them to be robust, and these policies are subject to regular review to ensure the highest standards are upheld.”