A former Russian language teacher at Eton College, Jacob Leland, has been found guilty of three counts of sexual assault on a pupil. The trial at Reading Crown Court heard that Leland, who taught at the school’s Modern Languages Department from 2010 to 2012, had engaged in sexual acts with the student, including performing oral sex on him. Leland, 37, was acquitted of 11 other charges.
Simon Henderson, the current headmaster of Eton, issued a letter expressing “unreserved apologies” for the impact of Leland’s actions and condemning the breach of trust. Henderson announced that Eton would conduct an external review to address the serious incident. He emphasized the need to acknowledge the failure to provide a safe environment for those affected by Leland’s misconduct.
During the trial, it was revealed that Leland had engaged in inappropriate behavior with the student, including kissing and placing the student’s hand on his groin. One former student described how Leland would enter their rooms and initiate wrestling matches, exerting physical pressure on them.
Mr. Henderson emphasized the importance of not dismissing the past offenses and pledged to learn from the incident to enhance safeguarding measures at Eton. He highlighted the school’s commitment to creating a supportive environment where concerns can be raised, and actions will be taken seriously.
Leland is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11.