Timeline
This page sets out a factual timeline of key public events that are relevant to the Papplewick Group Litigation Order. Entries link only to material that is already in the public domain, such as press reports and formal statements.
2024
19 January 2024
Media coverageRetired priest jailed for child sex abuse
A retired priest who sexually abused two schoolchildren at his home in the 1980s has been jailed for 32 months…
Source: BBC News
2025
13 March 2025
School statementFormer Member of Staff
The School’s Governing Board wanted to share an update with Old Boys about developments involving a former member of staff…
Source: Papplewick School Website
4 November 2025
Media coverageRetired priest pleads guilty to further abuse
A retired priest who sexually abused schoolchildren at his home in the 1980s has pleaded guilty to two further crimes which relate to a boy…
Source: BBC News
27 November 2025
School statementStatement from the Governing Board: Edward Phillips-Smith – additional conviction
The Governing Board of Papplewick School wishes to update the community regarding developments concerning Edward Phillips-Smith…
Source: Papplewick School Website
29 November 2025
Media coveragePolice probe new claim over child abuser ex-priest
A former school chaplain jailed for historical sex abuse is being investigated again by police after a complaint emerged about his time at another school…
Source: BBC News
This timeline is not exhaustive. It focuses on key public reporting and formal statements that relate to Papplewick and associated criminal proceedings. Internal correspondence and private communications are not listed here.