NEW FIGURES have revealed that there were 43 reports of sexual offences in schools across Devon and Cornwall in 2014-15.

The statistics were obtained by global children's charity Plan International UK.

There were 112 alleged incidents of sexual offences in schools across the two counties between 2011 and 2015.

Reported incidents included abuse of position of trust of a sexual nature, exposure and voyeurism, rape, sexual activity involving a child under 13, sexual assault and sexual grooming.

The charity is now calling for the UK Government to commit to mandatory sex and relationships education which covers sexting, consent, healthy relationships and the law.

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.”

Nationally, reports of sexual offences in schools have more than doubled in four years with 1,955 reports 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.