"James manipulated her victims with calculated precision, exploiting her position of authority to isolate them and normalise the abuse," she added.

"This was not a lapse in judgement; it was a sustained pattern of predatory behaviour against children in her care."

A spokesperson from the NSPCC said James had "exploited" a "position of trust" where she was supposed to "support, protect and educate those in her professional care".

"When someone in authority abuses a trusted relationship, young people can find it particularly difficult to recognise what is happening or to speak out about it, and it can have a profound and lasting impact on their wellbeing," they added.

A spokesperson from Hardenhuish School said they "commend" the courage of the young people who came forward to give evidence in the case.

"The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is, and always will be, our highest priority," they said.

They added that safeguarding arrangements are regularly reviewed and recruitment processes are in line with government guidance.

"We continue to work closely with Wiltshire Council and other safeguarding partners to ensure that the highest standards of safeguarding are maintained across the school."