More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Home Canterbury News Article
A grammar school teacher has admitted a string of child sex offences.
Michael McCarthy - a maths teacher at Barton Court in Canterbury - pleaded guilty to seven charges in court yesterday.
They include four counts of sexual activity with a child, engaging in sexual conversation and taking/making indecent images.
McCarthy was arrested last month after the allegations were investigated by police.
The 46-year-old - previously listed on the school’s website as head of Year 12 - was also suspended from his job.
At Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday, McCarthy pleaded guilty to all charges.
McCarthy, of St Thomas Hill, Canterbury, who is thought to be a father-of-four, is due to be sentenced at the same court on August 12.
In a statement issued this morning, Barton Court said: "We have been informed today by Kent Police that an employee of Barton Court Grammar School has appeared in court and pleaded guilty to several charges relating to sexual activity with a minor.
"The school is appalled by this news.
"This employee has worked at Barton Court since September 2016 and passed all safer recruitment checks including Enhanced DBS, Barred List check and previous employment checks on appointment.
"The safeguarding of all our students is our highest priority and we can reassure you that all safeguarding concerns have always been rigorously pursued by the school, including in this case, involving all associated external agencies such as Kent County Council Safeguarding Team and the local police, and agreed measures put in place to safeguard our students.
"All staff at the school are required to pass annual safeguarding training which is accredited by KCC Safeguarding Board.
"The school is pursuing all avenues with respect to this employee to ensure his swift dismissal.
"His conviction and full details will be reported to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure he is disqualified from working with children in the future.
"Work includes people in unpaid employment, employed under contract, people undertaking work experience and volunteers."
Last month, the school’s executive head teacher Kirstin Cardus had confirmed in a letter to parents that McCarthy had been charged with “offences of a sexual nature”.
Ms Cardus said: “The safeguarding of all our students at the school is our highest priority and we can reassure you that all safeguarding concerns are always rigorously pursued by the school, including in this case, involving associated external agencies including the KCC Safeguarding Team and agreed measures put in place to safeguard our students.”
