Buxton man jailed after admitting sex offences with 14-year-old girl

David Way, of Bath Road, Buxton, was jailed for four-and-a-half years after he admitted five counts of penetrative sexual activity at Derby Crown Court.

The court heard the offences took place in woods in February.

Way, aged 48, a former classics teacher at Sheffield High School, was dismissed from the girls school ‘shortly after’ the offences became known.

Valerie Dunsford, headteacher at the school on Rutland Park, Broomhill, said she was ‘deeply shocked and concerned’ by Way’s actions.

In a letter to parents, she said he had been a teacher at the senior school until May and was suspended as soon as the offences came to light.

Mrs Dunsford said: “We are aware David Way, who was a classics teacher in the senior department at Sheffield High School from September 2010 to May 2014, appeared at Derby Crown Court and has been sentenced after pleading guilty to a number of serious offences.

“We are deeply saddened and concerned by what Mr Way has done.

“This is upsetting for the whole school community and we are all appalled by his actions.

“Mr Way, like all our staff, was subject to disclosure and barring service checking and there were no issues or cause for any concern and, as with all our staff, he had regular safeguarding training.

“His actions have shocked us all and when this came to light he was suspended immediately and dismissed shortly after.

“The safety and wellbeing of all our girls at Sheffield High School is paramount and we have very robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place.”

She said parents and staff had been notified.

Mrs Dunsford said: “Our pastoral team, along with our experienced counsellor, are available to give support to any of the girls.”