Inquiry reveals decades of child abuse at King's former school
- Report from the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry uncovers evidence of sexual grooming and racism at Gordonstoun from 1970s to early 1990s.
- Child abuse was normalized with an extremely violent culture in some boarding houses at the King's former school.
- Inquiry findings shed light on a disturbing history of abuse and neglect at the prestigious school.
A report has uncovered evidence of sexual grooming and racism at Gordonstoun from the 1970s to the early 1990s, revealing a 'code of silence' between pupils. The inquiry found the school to be "dreadfully abusive" and "extremely violent," with examples of abuse including the repeated rape of a boy by an exchange teacher and multiple indecent assaults by other staff. Gordonstoun and its prep school, Aberlour House, were both implicated in the abuse, with a culture of bullying and cruel initiation rituals prevalent among pupils. The late Prince Philip, one of the first pupils at Gordonstoun, attended the school during the 1960s. Lady Smith, chairing the Scottish child abuse inquiry, stated that children were abused at both Gordonstoun and Aberlour over a long period of time. The report highlighted a lack of oversight, ill-prepared staff, and insufficient child protection measures contributing to the abuse. Despite positive changes in leadership in the 1990s, the inquiry emphasized the enduring impact of the abuse on survivors' lives. Gordonstoun issued an apology to those who suffered abuse and acknowledged its moral responsibility for the incidents. The school has taken a proactive approach since reports of historic abuse surfaced in 2013, offering support to survivors and encouraging them to come forward. The inquiry's findings underscore the need for continued vigilance and prevention of child abuse in educational institutions.