News

On the 14^th March, the book A Very Private School, a memoir by Earl Spencer was published. The book focuses on an unhappy period in his life, when against his own wishes, some fifty years ago aged eight years old, he was sent by his parents to Maidwell Hall as a boarder.

It has been very sobering to read about the experiences the young Charles Spencer, and some of his contemporaries, had at the School, and we are sorry that this was their experience. 

We were further dismayed to read about the allegations of the abuse Charles Spencer suffered. Having been alerted to what took place, we immediately made a referral to the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer), to ensure that any disclosures are handled sensitively, expediently, and professionally. Early on after the disclosures came to light, the matter also came to the attention of Northamptonshire Police and they are currently investigating the allegations.

We would encourage anyone with similar experiences to come forward by contacting Maidwell Hall, the LADO or the police. We will support any victim who wishes to exercise their right to justice as a survivor of abuse if they elect to report their concerns to the police.

Within education today, almost every facet of school life has evolved significantly since the 1970s. At the heart of these changes is the strict safeguarding of children – protecting them from abuse and maltreatment - and the promotion of their welfare.

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Northamptonshire have shared the following contact information in their recent statement:

“We encourage anyone who has suffered abuse anywhere in our county, at any time, to contact us either online at northants.police.uk, by calling 101 or 03000 111 222 if you’re calling from outside of Northamptonshire.

Anyone reporting sexual abuse has the legal right to lifelong anonymity, which only they can waive.

Sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, can be reported by calling 101 or via the online form at www.northants.police.uk/RO.

If you are not ready to speak to the police, you can self-refer to Voice for support and advice: www.voicenorthants.org or 0300 303 1965. Voice is a support service for anyone living in Northamptonshire, regardless of when, where or how crime happened to you. Services are free, confidential and you don’t have to have reported anything to the police.”

Statement updated: June 2024