POLICE are probing claims a former female teacher at a top private school in Edinburgh had inappropriate relationships with pupils.
Merchiston Castle, which is already co-operating with an investigation into claims of historical abuse, contacted the single force over alleged behaviour that is said to have occurred more recently.
Earlier this year, the Care Inspectorate "identified concerns about the quality of child protection practice" at the elite school.
The all boys’ independent school for 7-18 year olds is located in the upmarket Colinton area of the Capital and charges up to £29,000 a year in boarding fees.
It follows the English curriculum and has a reputation for producing elite sportsmen.
However, the Sunday Herald revealed earlier this year that Police Scotland had launched a probe into allegations of abuse at the school stretching back to the 1960s.
Two former male staff members, aged 62 and 69, were charged as a result of the investigation.
The action came after reports in 2013 of a long-standing teacher committing suicide after being informed that police were examining allegations of "inappropriate conduct" towards pupils.
James Rainy Brown, who was 75 at the time of his death, had worked at the school for over five decades and hanged himself shortly after being contacted by the police.
It has now emerged that the single force, on top of the historical abuse probe, is also examining more recent claims.
The allegations relate to a former female teacher allegedly having inappropriate relationships with former pupils.
It is understood initial enquiries have been made, but at this time no criminality has been established.
The Care Inspectorate (CI) and other bodies have also been notified of the allegations.
In October last year, the CI and the quango Education Scotland inspected the school and issued a report that flagged up a number of concerns.
The bodies stated that the school should improve in five key areas “as a matter of urgency”.
The report called on the school to clarify and strengthen the roles and responsibilities of key staff involved in safeguarding pupils, and improve procedures relating to staff recruitment, training and disciplinary matters.
The quango also demanded a review of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), so that pupils develop the skills “to keep themselves safe”.
The school was also asked to strengthen leadership “at all levels” in improving safeguarding, as well as communicating how key stakeholders’ views were taken into account when shaping improvements.
In a follow-up report, the Inspectorate found the quality of care and support at the school to be “weak”, but awarded good grades in other categories.
A second inspection by Education Scotland welcomed improvements in some areas, but found there were still “important weaknesses” on how the school met the social, emotional and behavioural needs of pupils.
However, the report noted that the head teacher is “very well respected by the Governing Board, pupils, parents and staff”.
A spokesman for Merchiston Castle School said: “The school has been made aware of allegations concerning a former member of staff. We have passed this information to the police and we understand they are currently making enquiries. We have also notified The Care Inspectorate, Education Scotland, the Registrar of Independent Schools and the General Teaching Council for Scotland.”
A Care Inspectorate spokesperson said: "We identified concerns about the quality of child protection practice at our last inspection but have been working closely with the school and have seen significant improvement since then. We were properly notified by the school of an allegation made recently."
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed enquiries are being made.
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