Bronwen James, 29, denies 11 charges involving three minors but pleads guilty to one count of sexual communication with a girl under 16
A former physical education teacher from the UK is set to stand trial next year after pleading not guilty to multiple charges of sexual activity with children — while admitting to one offence of sexual communication with a teenage girl.
Bronwen James, 29, appeared at Salisbury Crown Court for a plea hearing, where she denied allegations of having sexual contact with two girls and a boy over a four-year period.
Prosecutors allege the offences occurred between 2019 and 2023 in several locations, including Titchfield and Fareham in Hampshire, Chippenham in Wiltshire, and Alton in Staffordshire.
What the Court Heard
James faces a total of 13 charges, including:
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Six counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13–15
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Four counts of sexual activity with a boy while in a position of trust
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Two counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child
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One count of making an indecent photograph of a child (category C — the least severe classification)
During Monday’s hearing, she pleaded guilty to one charge of engaging in sexual communication with a girl under 16 between 2019 and 2021, but denied the second charge involving another girl.
The court heard that the indecent image charge will be addressed in a separate plea at a later date.
Bail Conditions and Restrictions
James, who previously taught PE at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and Bitterne Park School in Southampton, was granted conditional bail.
Her bail terms include:
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No direct or indirect contact with the three alleged victims
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No unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16
Arriving at court wearing a cream waistcoat and matching trousers, James spoke only to confirm her personal details and enter her pleas.
Next Steps in the Case
Judge Christopher Parker KC confirmed that a full trial is scheduled to begin on 27 April 2026 at Winchester Crown Court.
If convicted, the charges could carry significant custodial sentences under UK child protection laws.
Legal and Social Context
This case underscores heightened concerns over safeguarding in schools, particularly when teachers hold positions of trust with minors.
Under UK law, sexual activity between a teacher and a pupil under 18 is a criminal offence, regardless of consent, due to the inherent imbalance of power. The inclusion of online sexual communication offences reflects growing awareness of digital grooming risks.
Category C indecent images — though considered the least serious in the UK’s classification system — still constitute a criminal offence and can result in imprisonment, mandatory registration on the Sex Offenders Register, and strict monitoring conditions.
Key Dates
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2019–2023 — Alleged offences take place
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2019–2021 — Sexual communication admitted with one girl under 16
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27 April 2026 — Trial begins at Winchester Crown Court
Sources
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Daily Mail — Female PE teacher denies sexually abusing two girls and a boy, but admits sending sexual communications to child under age of 16, Aug 2025. Link
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UK Crown Prosecution Service — Sexual Offences: Abuse of Position of Trust
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NSPCC — Understanding Child Sexual Abuse
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