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. It is difficult to read about practices which were, sadly, sometimes believed to be normal and acceptable at that time.

We were also 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. 

We would encourage anyone with similar experiences to come forward by contacting Maidwell Hall, the LADO or 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.