In November 2017, allegations were made about incidents from the trip, which were then referred to the TRA in December 2018.
A statement by a witness submitted to the panel found that of the 12 pupils attending the trip, “10 had special educational needs, eight were known to be sexually active, seven were known to have substance misuse problems and three had current justice system involvement”.
“In the panel’s view, certain pupils would have likely been identified as unsuitable for attending the ski trip if individual assessments had taken place,” it said.
Three staff members and two ski instructors had been organised for supervision, but one of the staff members was an apprentice.
While “some steps” were taken to reduce risks, such as having boys and girls in rooms on separate floors, the panel found “sexual activity had more than likely taken place throughout the course of the ski trip”.
“The pupils were left unsupervised within their bedrooms, leaving them vulnerable to engaging in sexual activity,” the hearing said.
“It was evident insufficient steps had been taken to reduce the risk of sexual activity, as this likely took place on multiple occasions.”
