Formby High School Claims Nearly All Settled, But Questions Remain

The vast majority of legal claims brought by former pupils of Formby High School over sexual abuse by former teacher Ian Farquharson have now been settled.

We're pleased to confirm that all but three of the 66 cases have been resolved in agreement with Sefton Council’s legal representatives.

Farquharson, who taught at the school from the mid-1970s until 1992, was prosecuted in 1980 for inciting pupils to commit acts of gross indecency. Despite multiple pupils giving evidence, he was found not guilty at Crosby Magistrates’ Court and returned to the classroom.

He continued teaching at the school for more than a decade before his death in May 1992. It is believed he took his own life just hours after a further serious allegation of sexual abuse was made by a parent.

While most survivors have now reached settlements – avoiding the need for court proceedings – those still waiting say the case is not yet fully resolved.

One of the remaining claimants, Peter (not his real name), said no amount of money could undo what happened to him as a child.

“I spent a while last night considering what would be reasonable compensation and whether any money could compensate me for the abuse that man put me through as a vulnerable 12-year-old boy,” said Peter.

“In the end, I concluded that perhaps I should reverse the situation and ask an abhorrent, but sadly relevant, question to the defendant’s solicitors/insurers.

“If you have children, what payment would you accept to have someone like Farquharson do to your children what he did to us?”

Peter said he is still seeking an apology – or at the very least an explanation – from the local authority as to how Farquharson was able to continue teaching for so long after facing criminal charges.

Solicitor at Andrew Grove & Co Katherine Yates said significant progress had been made, but that for some survivors, key issues remain unresolved.

“While it is positive that the majority of these claims have now been settled without the need for a trial, there are still individuals waiting not just for resolution, but for answers,” she said.

“It does not matter how much time has passed; the impact of childhood abuse does not diminish. For many, it resurfaces at key moments in their lives – particularly when they have children of their own.”

She added: “We would encourage the local authority to take this final step, resolving the remaining cases and providing the acknowledgement survivors have been seeking for many years.”

"We will continue to work towards concluding the outstanding claims."

For further information, contact Katherine Yates or Sophie Taylor on 01223 367133 or via email at katherine@andrewgroveandco.com or sophie@andrewgroveandco.com