Wells Cathedral School refutes claim that teacher accused of sexual misconduct was on staff

A Wells school has refuted accusations in a national newspaper that a former teacher had sexual relationships with pupils.

The Guardian, along the rest of the national press, covered the resignation of Malcolm Layfield from the Royal Northern College of Music amid allegations of sexual misconduct with students.

However, the Guardian is the only national to state that Mr Layfield's relationship with Wells Cathedral School pupils was under investigation, something the school denies.

In its report the Guardian states: "Malcolm Layfield is being investigated by police over sexual relationships he initiated with a string of pupils at the college as well as Chetham's school of music in Manchester and the Wells Cathedral School in Somerset, the Guardian understands."

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When the Journal contacted the school about the article a spokesperson said: "We have had no contact from the police at all. The Guardian gives the impression that we are being investigated which is not true.

"Malcolm Layfield at no time worked as a member of staff here. In April 1990 he was a guest conductor on a short tour of the Far East. He has never been in a one to one situation with pupils at the school.

"We had a call from the Guardian and the Daily Mail about this. I gave them both the same details and the Mail chose not to mention the Cathedral School.

"The Times has even written a piece in which we've been quoted as an example of best practice for handling freelance staff, how they are always chaperoned and, along with our regular members of staff, have enhanced CRB checks and child protection training.

"What has happened in Manchester is horrendous. We are not trying to hide anything but he didn't work with us.

"If something did happen we would want to deal with it."