Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

On Thursday 10/11/22, The British School Kathmandu were shocked to learn of news reports stating that a former member of staff, Mr Matthew Smith, was arrested in the UK and pleaded guilty to five charges relating to causing or inciting the sexual abuse of a child under 13 and making or distributing indecent images of children. His case has been referred to Crown Court for sentencing.

We have not been contacted as part of any investigation and we are trying to obtain further information directly from the authorities dealing with this case. The school will work with any local or international officials if we can be of assistance to any investigation. 

Mr Smith left The British School Kathmandu in June 2022 at the end of his contract to take up a post in London. Both The British School Kathmandu and his new school in London conducted relevant safeguarding and background checks on Mr Smith and there was no indication that he was not suitable to work with children. We recognise that this is a deeply concerning matter and our focus is on supporting our school community.