POLICE have recorded 59 alleged sexual offences in Gwent schools over a four year period, according to a report.

A freedom of information request to UK Police forces —from global children's charity Plan International UK —revealed that the alleged offences were recorded between 2011/12 and 2014/15.

The incidents took place in Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire and Torfaen schools and range from sexual assault, exposure and voyeurism to causing a child to engage in sexual activity and rape.

According to the report, there were six reports of sexual offences on school premises recorded in 2011/12, 12 offences in 2012/13, 11 in 2013/14 and 30 alleged sexual offences in 2014/15.

The national findings also state that reports of sexual offences have doubled in the same four year period, with Plan International UK calling for government to commit to further mandatory sex education.

This programme would cover sex and relationships, including sexting, consent, healthy relationships and the law.

Gwent Police run a similar scheme via the All Wales School Liaison Core Programme, which includes discussions on sexual consent, online grooming and sexual exploitation.

Head of Gwent police public protection unit, Detective Superintendent Leanne Brustad, considers the safeguarding of young people as a priority for the force.

“In 2014/2015, Gwent Police delivered 1,874 lessons, to just under 50,000 pupils,” she said.

“The investigation of offences of this nature is taken extremely seriously. We have specialist officers who are professionally trained to deal with victims and bring offenders to justice.”

She added: “We work closely with support services such as Connect Gwent, to ensure that anyone who is a victim of this type of crime has access to the help and support they need.”

Figures were gained via freedom of information with UK police forces with 34 of 35 responses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Police forces in Scotland declined the request on cost grounds.

Other national findings included nearly two-thirds of alleged victims being girls or women, 94 per cent of alleged offences being committed by men or boys and that 15 per cent of offences are thought to be committed by school staff, including teachers.