READING Blue Coat School has responded to criticism about its childcare by claiming the ‘most effective safeguarding measures in its history’.

That’s the claim from leaders at the school after a sexual abuse survivor slammed the school for ‘doing nothing’ about the “appalling” and “shocking” offences former teacher John Imeson committed in the 1980s.

The 73-year-old teacher was yesterday jailed for up to 16 years after being convicted of more than a dozen sexual offences -- including buggery -- against two Blue Coat pupils between 1980 and 1982.

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Imeson, who was described as a “respected teacher” by Her Honour Judge Real at his sentencing at Reading Crown Court, ran extra-curricular activities during his time at the Sonning school.

It was on camping and canoeing trips that he would abuse the two boys, who were aged 11 or 12 and 13 at the time of the incidents.

Both survivors had statements read out at court yesterday by prosecutor Maryam Syed.

Reading a victim statement from the first survivor, who 12 of the sexual offences were committed against, Ms Syed said: "When this abuse occurred I was very vulnerable. I was scared and alone.

"I really believe I was taken advantage of."

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The second survivor, who one of the sexual offences was committed against, also had a statement read out at Reading Crown Court.

Paraphrasing his statement, Ms Syed said the man still felt angry at the defendant, but also towards the whole school that this 'took place under their nose and they did nothing to stop it.'

Reading Blue Coat School has now issued a statement following the sentencing of John Imeson.

A spokesperson told the Chronicle: “This case, involving a former member of staff who abused his position in an appalling way, dates back more than 35 years and is deeply shocking.

“We applaud the immense courage of his victims in speaking out, and deeply regret that this should have happened to them while they were pupils here.

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“There can never be any room for complacency, but we believe the safeguarding measures we have in place today are the most effective in the School’s history.

“The continued safety, well-being and happiness of our pupils remains our first priority.”

Imeson appeared via video link from HMP Bullingdon for his sentencing at Reading Crown Court on Monday, August 23.

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