A NORTH Oxford prep school has responded to historical allegations of former teachers sexually assaulting a young pupil.

Summer Fields, in Mayfield Road, has become the subject of legal action brought forward by Slater & Gordon Lawyers on behalf of a former pupil from the 1970s.

Yesterday a spokesman for Summer Fields said the school could not comment on the allegations, which Thames Valley Police confirmed were not the subject of a criminal investigation.

It comes as former pupil Tom Parker Bowles said last week the school was “a hotbed of the sorts of things that are coming out now” and that one master would join boys naked in the shower.

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In a statement the school said: “Allegations of historic abuse have been made by one former pupil against two masters who taught at the school in the 1970s.

“We cannot comment on this situation beyond saying that the allegations have been reported to the police and the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board.

“We also note recent comments made in the media by an old boy [Mr Parker Bowles] who was at the school during the 1980s.

“As a result of these comments we have made enquiries with the then headmaster of the school who has confirmed that the incident referred to, which was investigated at the time, did not take place as reported or represent any form of child abuse. It goes without saying that the school treats allegations of this nature with the utmost seriousness, regardless of how long ago they are alleged to have occurred.

“It is very upsetting that the Summer Fields of today, which prides itself on the quality of its pastoral care, should be associated with allegations of this nature.”

The allegations have come as the school – which counts former prime minister Harold Macmillan among its alumni – celebrates its 150th anniversary.

It is alleged by Slater & Gordon Lawyers that the firm’s client, a man who attended Summer Fields in the 1970s, was sexually assaulted by two teachers.

Both teachers are believed to be dead, the firm said.

It is understood that the firm’s claim will allege that the school was in breach of its duty of care to pupils assaulted.

Thames Valley Police confirmed no criminal charges can be brought forward against the alleged abusers because they are deceased.

It comes after the firm called on Mr Parker Bowles – the son of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall – to make a statement to police.

Abuse lawyer Liz Dux, of Slater & Gordon, also urged anyone who had information about abuse to report it to the authorities.

Ms Dux said: “We would urge anyone with any information to report the matter as soon as possible.

“Whilst we commend Tom for speaking out if he did witness any inappropriate behaviour, he should report this to the police.”

The Oxford Mail approached Mr Parker Bowles for comment, but he had not responded by the time the newspaper went to press.

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