Edward Waller, a former history tutor and head of history at St Anne's Catholic School and Sixth Form College in Southampton, was convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court of sexual offences committed against a vulnerable pupil approximately 20 years ago. The offences, which took place between 2004 and 2006, involved Waller, who was 46 at the time, exploiting his position of trust to groom and manipulate the 16-17-year-old girl.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Waller became aware of the victim's significant issues at home and began providing her with extra attention. This escalated into increasingly sexual communications, including sexting and sending her naked images of himself. The behaviour culminated in December 2005 when Waller invited the victim to his home and engaged in sexual activity with her. The jury heard detailed testimony from the complainant, described by prosecutor Chris Hewertson as providing 'remarkably impressive and compelling' evidence, refuting defence claims that she was a fantasist.
Waller was cleared of the charge of rape but found guilty on three counts: sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, all in a position of trust. The offences occurred in Southampton, where Waller resided at the time. Despite denying all allegations and insisting no sexual activity took place, the jury convicted him following a trial that highlighted his role as a respected educator, including accompanying pupils on a trip to Auschwitz in 2009.
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson stated: 'Waller was aware the victim was a vulnerable girl who was having significant issues at home, and began giving her extra attention. His messages and calls to her became increasingly sexual - sexting her and sending her images of himself naked. This behaviour escalated to a point where, in December 2005, Waller, who was 46 at the time, invited the victim to his home where he had sex with her.'
Julia McSorley, a specialist prosecutor in the CPS's Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, commented: 'Edward Waller used his position as a teacher to manipulate and groom a pupil who was entrusted into his care. In the selfish pursuit of his own sexual gratification, he burdened her with the significant and lasting effects of this offending. I hope the outcome sends a clear message that the CPS is committed to bringing those who exploit children to justice and empowers victims to know that they will be taken seriously – no matter how much time has passed.'
Waller, of Winter Street, Southsea, is scheduled for sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court on 5 February 2026. The case was reported by the Daily Echo, with coverage by New Forest Chief Reporter Chris Yandell.