A primary school teacher has today admitted abusing seven pupils.

The victims’ parents wept as the man, in his 50s, admitted 23 charges of sexually assaulting girls aged between seven and 11-years-old.

The teacher was working in an Oxfordshire primary school when he committed the abuse between September 2007 and May this year.

His name and the name of the school cannot be named for legal reasons.

He also admitted one count of making 18 indecent images of a child between March 2006 and May this year.

The man was remanded in custody to be sentenced on December 10. Det Ch Insp Paul Gration, leading the investigation, said: "I am relieved that the victims in this case have not been put through the ordeal of a full trial. This investigation has been difficult enough for them and I would like to personally thank them for their courage and bravery in coming forward and helping the police with this investigation.

"I hope that with time and support they are able to find some closure on this matter. "Offences of this type are deplorable by their very nature and Thames Valley Police, supported by our partners, will relentlessly pursue those that commit this sort of crime.

"I would like to reassure parents and the local community that the neighbourhood policing team is always available to speak to, should anyone have any concerns and can be contacted on 0845 8 505 505."