Eton College’s headteacher has issued a formal apology following the imprisonment of a former Russian language instructor. The teacher was convicted of sexually assaulting a student at the prestigious boarding school. Simon Henderson, the current head, expressed his shock and stated the school takes full responsibility for this serious breach of duty and trust.
Jacob Leland, now 37 years old, received a sentence of three years and three months after being found guilty of three counts of sexual assault. The offenses occurred in 2012 when Leland was just 23 years old. The attacks took place both at his personal residence and during a supervised school trip, demonstrating a prolonged pattern of predatory behavior.
The initial assault happened when Leland invited the student and friends to his flat, providing them with alcohol and cigarettes. Once the other visitors departed, he kissed the boy and placed his hands inappropriately. A second assault followed during a school-organized excursion, where he performed oral sex on the student.
At sentencing, the judge emphasized the gravity of the violations. Teachers hold a position of trust and responsibility toward their pupils. The court noted that Leland specifically abused the authority granted to him by the school, which had entrusted him with student supervision. The judge also highlighted that the victim has endured lasting psychological harm from these actions.
Henderson acknowledged that the school failed to protect the student adequately. He noted that although the offenses occurred during his predecessor’s tenure, systemic failures allowed the abuse to continue undetected for years. The school now reaffirms its commitment to pupil safety and states it collaborates with external authorities when safeguarding concerns emerge.
