A Chippenham headteacher has reassured parents that safeguarding procedures were followed after a pupil was abused by paedophile teacher Bronwen James.
Hardenhuish School headteacher Lisa Percy has spoken out following the conviction of the 30-year-old, who committed a string of sexual offences against two girls and a boy.
James, a former PE teacher, was found guilty of three counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust at Winchester Crown Court yesterday (10 September).
The charges related to a 16-year-old boy who attended Bitterne Park School in Southampton. Following the trial the full scale of her offending was revealed.
James had previously, in January 2026, admitted having sexual communications with a 13-year-old girl while working at Hardenhuish School. When the child turned 14, she engaged in penetrative sexual activity with her.
She also pleaded guilty to sexual communications with a 13-year-old girl at Bitterne Park School in Southampton. In similar circumstances, she went on the engage in penetrative sexual activity with the victim.
Following the conclusion of the trial, Hardenhuish headteacher Mrs Percy contacted parents and carers via email to update them on the case and reassure them about safeguarding – stating that staff followed them to the letter.
She said the school recognised the “courage and strength” shown by the young people who came forward and gave evidence, adding that its thoughts remained with everyone affected.
Mrs Percy also stressed that safeguarding pupils remained the school’s highest priority and said its arrangements are regularly reviewed.
“It is important to emphasise that we have acted appropriately throughout and have followed all relevant safeguarding procedures”, she said.
The headteacher said recruitment processes are carried out in line with the Government’s Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.
She also confirmed that staff are required to undergo full DBS checks and appropriate background checks.
Wiltshire Police described James as a “sexual predator” who had abused the position of trust she held as a teacher.
Detective Investigator Francesca Mason, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Bronwen James was employed as a teacher at a number of schools.
“This was a role in which she held a position of trust. The children under her supervision had every right to look to her for support and guidance.
“However, the jury sitting at Winchester Crown Court today heard how Bronwen James betrayed the trust placed in her by cynically manipulating these children.
“She encouraged them to engage in sexual activity for her own selfish gratification.
“This is someone who they had looked up to as a mentor and role model – tragically nothing could have been further from the truth, she is a sexual predator.”
James was released on bail and is due back before the court on 14 September, when she will be remanded in custody and a sentencing date will be set.
