James Sands worked at St Christopher School between 2018 and 2023, but was charged with publishing an obscene article and arranging or facilitating commission to cause or incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity in January this year.
The 47-year-old, of High Street, Hertford, was jailed for five years and three months for the second offence – which took place in June 2023 at St Albans Crown Court on May 9, 2025, while he was still employed by the school – with the first offence ordered to lie on file.
Sands was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and barred from working with children, all for life.
St Christopher School said Sands’ crimes were “deeply shocking and disturbing”, confirming he was “immediately suspended” following his arrest and “had no further contact with pupils”.
It also emphasised that the offences were “wholly unconnected to the school”.
James Sands. (Image: Herts police)
“The crime for which James Sands was convicted was deeply shocking and disturbing,” a spokesperson told the Comet.
“As soon as Hertfordshire Police informed the school about his arrest, we suspended him immediately and ensured he had no further contact with pupils.
“The police confirmed that his offences were wholly unconnected to the school, and we followed their guidance throughout on what information could be shared about the matter, informing our community at the first possible opportunity.
“We followed all safeguarding processes in full and notified the appropriate external agencies, including the Local Authority Designated Officer, the Teaching Regulation Agency, the Charity Commission, and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
“The Independent Schools Inspectorate has recently inspected St Christopher and confirmed that our safeguarding arrangements are rigorous, effective, and underpinned by strong leadership and governance.”
St Christopher School is facing allegations of historic abuse after former pupils claimed to have suffered neglect, sexual, emotional and physical abuse at the school between the 1960s and 1990s following a Telegraph investigation.
Allegations include rape and sexual assault from both teachers and pupils at the boarding school, with staff even impregnating students before taking them to have abortions.
There were also claims of some staff making homemade films featuring children as well as prolific on-site drinking and drug use – sometimes with teachers – bullying, assaults and neglect.
In a statement to the Comet, St Christopher School headteacher Rich Jones said: “We are desperately sorry to learn of these profoundly distressing and shocking allegations, and we are grateful to those who have courageously come forward.
Allegations of neglect, sexual, emotional and physical abuse at St Christopher School between the 1960s and 1990s have been made. (Image: Google Maps)
“We informed the police and relevant authorities as soon as concerns were shared with us and continue to co-operate fully with all ongoing investigations and legal processes.
“Our focus now is on supporting former pupils who have spoken about their past experiences and on ensuring the school remains a safe and nurturing environment for every child today.
“We would encourage anyone with concerns about the past culture of the school to contact Hertfordshire police or our safeguarding team, where they will be taken seriously and treated with discretion and care.”
Hertfordshire police has confirmed a case into the alleged historic abuse at the school has been reopened, with a spokesperson saying: “Following recent contact with the constabulary, we can confirm that we have re‑opened a case into historic abuse at St Christopher School, Letchworth.
“We understand how incredibly difficult it can be for victims and survivors to come forward, especially after a long time has passed, but we have specialist officers to offer support every step of the way.”