Inquiry Reveals Abuse at Queen Victoria School

An inquiry led by Lady Smith has revealed that children at the Queen Victoria School (QVS) in Dunblane experienced systemic abuse from the late 1950s to 2019, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by both staff and senior pupils. The report highlights that a culture of violence prevailed, with teachers using corporal punishment methods such as belts and wooden dusters, while older students inflicted 'cruel and terrifying' acts on younger pupils. The inquiry found that management's complacency and inadequate oversight contributed to the unchecked abusive practices. QVS, established to support sons of Scottish servicemen, has since apologized for the suffering endured by those in its care. Lady Smith emphasized that the assumption that the school's military governance would ensure proper care was misguided, leading to a severe lack of protection for vulnerable children. The findings underscore the urgent need for accountability and reform in child protection measures within such institutions.