REPORTS of sexual offences at Dorset schools are revealed today in figures obtained by a children’s charity.

There have been 20 alleged sex attacks at Dorset schools in the last four years.

Dorset Police investigated six reports of sexual offences on school premises in 2011/12, two in 2012/13, six in 2013/14 and six in 2014/15.

Figures were disclosed following a Freedom of Information request to police forces by children’s charity Plan International UK.

The organisation is calling for the government to commit to mandatory sex and relationships education which covers sexting, consent, healthy relationships and the law.

Nationally, reports of sexual offences in schools have more than doubled in four years to 1,955 in 2014/15.

Alleged offences ranged from harassment to serious sexual assaults and rapes. Less than one in ten suspected cases resulted in criminal charges or summons.

Other national findings include:

* Nearly two-thirds of alleged victims are female

* 94 per cent of alleged offences are committed by men or boys

* 15 per cent are thought to be committed by school staff

Plan International UK Head of Girls’ Rights Kerry Smith said: “This shows that we’re failing young people when it comes to learning about healthy relationships and consent. "Quality sex and relationships education helps young people to develop healthy attitudes towards sex and relationships while helping to tackle inappropriate and aggressive sexual behaviour.”

She added: “Clearly girls and women are disproportionately affected by sexual violence in schools. Young people need education about the realities of life and relationships, including consent.”

Detective Chief Inspector for public protection at Dorset Police, Gavin Dudfield, said: “We have multi-agency, dedicated teams dealing with child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation. Regardless of the outcome of an investigation, we continue to support victims and help them minimise any risks they may be exposed to.

“Dorset Police works closely with our partner agencies to ensure children are safeguarded and protected from sexual abuse and exploitation.

“I would also encourage any victims of abuse or exploitation to come forward.”

A Dorset County Council spokesman said: “The figures contained in Plan International’s report are representative of the low figures for such offences in Dorset.

“We encourage all Dorset schools to offer high quality sex and relationship education to ensure children and young people are aware of their rights and responsibilities.”

“We fully support Plan International’s campaign as do our schools, which all have designated safeguarding leads who are committed to preventing violence of any kind to students in or out of school.”