What new allegations does Edward Phillips-Smith face?

Edward Phillips-Smith is being investigated for inappropriate behaviour during his time as chaplain at Papplewick prep school.

When was Edward Phillips-Smith jailed and for what crimes?

He was jailed in January 2025 for 32 months for historical sex abuse against schoolchildren in Staffordshire.

Is Papplewick prep school cooperating with the investigation?

Yes, Papplewick prep school is cooperating with Thames Valley Police and has conducted its own internal review.

Home / Crime and Justice / Jailed Priest Faces New Abuse Probe at Second School

Jailed Priest Faces New Abuse Probe at Second School

29 Nov

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Summary

Former chaplain jailed for past abuse now investigated for new allegations.
New complaint emerges from his 15-year tenure at Papplewick prep school.
Police reopened investigation due to new information from a former pupil.

Jailed Priest Faces New Abuse Probe at Second School

Edward Phillips-Smith, 74, who was incarcerated in January 2025 for 32 months after admitting to historical sex abuse, is now facing renewed scrutiny from law enforcement. Thames Valley Police are investigating a fresh complaint concerning his alleged inappropriate behaviour during his 15-year tenure as chaplain at Papplewick prep school in Ascot, Berkshire, between 1993 and 2008.

This latest investigation follows a complaint lodged in March 2025 by a former Papplewick pupil, coupled with an internal review by the school's governing board that identified "some concerns about his behaviour." Although an initial assessment did not meet the threshold for a criminal investigation, new information has prompted the police to reopen the case. Phillips-Smith had previously admitted to abusing schoolchildren at his Staffordshire home in the 1980s and recently pleaded guilty to additional sex crimes.