Historical abuse investigation reopened at Mount St Mary’s

Mount St Mary’s College in Derbyshire closed its doors this summer after almost two centuries, citing financial difficulties. While many former pupils mourned the loss of the school, others recalled much darker experiences.

One ex-student has alleged he was sexually abused in the 1980s by two members of staff: Father David Lamb and former headmaster Father John Grummit. Both men are now deceased.

Daniel, whose real name has been changed to protect his anonymity, reported his allegations to Derbyshire Police earlier this year but was initially told there would be no investigation. However, following the school’s closure, police contacted him to say the case had been reopened after new information emerged about one of the suspects. The force has confirmed to the Sheffield Tribune that it is now investigating allegations of non-recent sexual offences at the school.

The Jesuits in Britain, who founded and ran Mount St Mary’s until 2006, have acknowledged 16 people have reported sexual abuse at the school between the 1950s and 1980s. They have previously paid compensation and funded therapy for some victims.

Some suspect payouts to victims could have contributed to the financial struggles that closed the school. However, a spokesperson said the decision to transfer the school to a charitable trust in 2006 was unrelated to abuse claims, and liabilities for historical cases remained with the Jesuits.

Speaking to the Tribune, Daniel alleged that Father Lamb, who taught at Mount St Mary’s until 1988, groomed him when he was only 13 and sexually assaulted him until he was 16.

Lamb died by suicide in 1999 after being removed from active ministry following allegations of child abuse elsewhere. Other allegations against Lamb were reported at St Aloysius’ College in Glasgow, where he worked from 1972 to 1981 before joining Mount St Mary’s.

Former headmaster Father Grummit, who died in 2009, was known for caning pupils on their bare backsides and has been accused by several former students of sexual and physical abuse occurring in the 1970s and 1980s.

A former student also describes how the school was a place where unusually vicious bullying went unchecked, saying: “Violence was embedded in the school from top to bottom like a stick of rock.”

Derbyshire Police said victims of sexual offences can report crimes at any time, regardless of how long ago they took place. The Jesuits have stated they will cooperate fully with any renewed investigation, adding they have “strengthened our practices over the years to ensure our communities and institutions are safe places for all”.

At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we represent survivors of institutional abuse in bringing civil compensation claims. These claims can offer recognition of the harm suffered, provide funding for treatment and recovery, and hold institutions accountable for the failures in their duty of care.

If you, or someone you know, experienced abuse at Mount St Mary’s, our specialist abuse team can offer confidential advice on the options available to pursue justice.