A former teacher at a private boarding school in Marlborough has been arrested on suspicion of a “non-recent sexual assault” which took place in the 1980s.

Marlborough College in Wiltshire has frequently appeared in national news this year as Prince William and Princess Kate have been considering sending the royal children to attend the school.

But now the school is gaining attention for all the wrong reasons as it has become the centre of a police investigation over allegations of sexual assault.

Wiltshire Police has confirmed to the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald that a man in his 80s has been arrested.

“We have arrested a man in his 80s on suspicion of a non-recent sexual assault following a report from a member of the public,” said a spokesperson for the police force.

“The arrest relates to an incident in Marlborough which took place in the 1980s.

“He has been bailed while enquiries continue.”

A spokesperson for Marlborough College confirmed that the man arrested is a former member of staff and told the Gazette and Herald:

"The College is aware that police are investigating a former member of staff following a report from a member of the public of a non-recent sexual assault.

"The arrest relates to an alleged incident in Marlborough which took place in the 1980s. 

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Kate Middleton visited Marlborough College in October 2023 while considering sending her children to school there.Kate Middleton visited Marlborough College in October 2023 while considering sending her children to school there. (Image: PA)

"We take any allegation of this nature extremely seriously, no matter how long ago it is said to have occurred.

"The College places safeguarding at the heart of everything it does and the wellbeing and welfare of our pupils and staff always remain our top priority.

"We are in close contact with the police as they continue their inquiries."

The £47,000-a-year school has been the home to many famous faces over the year, some of whom attended in the 1980s at the time that this allegation is referring to.

The Princess of Wales herself attended Marlborough College between 1996 and 2000, and is one of an impressive list of alumni including comedian Jack Whitehall and Samantha Cameron, wife of former PM David Cameron.

The school is highly regarded as one of the best and most expensive co-educational independent schools in the country and was recently included in the Spear’s School Index 2024 of recognised private schools across the globe.