If you loved Warwick School back in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s you probably weren’t one of these raped or otherwise abused by monsters like Paul Stainsby, Charles Watmough, David Stooke or Alan Wilkins or M X, yet another music teacher hired by Dave Nichols, who is now under Police investigation so I cannot name until he is charged. So you will not be one of the jockstrap wearing hearties of old now on the OW mailing list. I am on that list and we all got a personalized email yesterday after the Judge ruled on the prolific predator Paul Stainsby.
At last the school apologises and at last it seems to accept that there was a problem and not just the odd bad apple. It is not explicit but the phrase “We would encourage anyone affected by this case, or who has concerns about their own experiences or those of others, to come forward” hints strongly that there were other abusers.
But those who were abused will hate Warwick and so will not have got themselves in this list. If the chair of Governors , Jane Mackenzie-Lawrie, is serious she will ensure that the school tightens its wording to accept that Stainsby was not the only paedophile teacher. She can do that with legal safety as another teacher, Graham Jaggers, was in 2005 convicted of sexually abusing a 12 year old 20 year previously so there is already another convicted paedophile out there. Unusually for Warwick Jaggers’ victim was a girl. Wilkins, Nichols and Stooke are dead so cannot sue for libel. As for Watmough if only he would sue me as I’d love to see him in Court!
And the chair of Governors needs to pay to place that letter as an advert in the local and regional press. It will not cost a lot but only that will show that the school, is truly sorry and really wants to reach out to other victims.
The email reads…
Dear Tom
I am sorry to have to write to you with some deeply distressing news. I appreciate that what follows may be particularly difficult for some former pupils to read, but I believe it is important that we share the outcome of recent court proceedings with you directly.
On 10 November 2026, following a ‘trial of the facts’ at Warwick Crown Court, former Warwick School teacher Paul Stainsby was found to have carried out numerous sexual offences against five different pupils in the 1980s. He was employed between 1981-1989.
A trial of the facts takes place when a defendant is found not to be fit to enter a plea – in this case on medical grounds – and a jury is asked to determine whether the alleged acts took place. It is not a finding of criminal guilt. Stainsby is now 76 years old. He is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence for similar offences for which he was sentenced in 2022. These latest findings will sit on his record and Stainsby will remain on the sexual offenders register for life.
The evidence given by our former pupils, their family members and others was extremely distressing and our thoughts are, first and foremost, with those who were abused.
We acknowledge their immense courage in coming forward and giving evidence, and are deeply sorry that they were abused by someone in a position of trust. We recognise that the impact of abuse can be profound and long-lasting.
We also realise that this news may be upsetting for former pupils, including those who attended the School during the period in question, and may bring back difficult memories or raise questions about their own experiences.
We would encourage anyone affected by this case, or who has concerns about their own experiences or those of others, to come forward. We understand that speaking about such matters can be extremely difficult, particularly after many years, and want to assure you that any concerns will be treated seriously and sensitively.
If you would like to contact us, you can do so in confidence by emailing [email protected]. Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak directly with the police, you can contact Warwickshire Police.
The safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our highest priority, and safeguarding is central to the culture of our schools today. However, we recognise that the experiences of former pupils may have been very different. We are committed to reflecting carefully on the past and listening to those whose experiences may not align with the values and standards we uphold today. We would therefore encourage anyone affected by this case, or who has concerns about their own experiences or those of others, to contact us.
I recognise that receiving a letter of this nature may be upsetting, particularly for those with personal experiences of abuse or difficult memories of their time at school. Please be assured that we understand the sensitivity of these matters and are committed to treating anyone affected with compassion and respect.
Yours Sincerely,
Jane Mackenzie-Lawrie
Foundation Chair of Governors
Warwick Schools Foundation