Bridgend’s largest secondary school has apologised to former pupils who were sexually abused by a former head of art over a period of 29 years.

Clive Hally taught at Brynteg Comprehensive for 36 years, until retiring in 2011.

After two complainants came forward he was found dead, aged 67, on the day he was due to answer bail in 2019.

A Bridgend council-commissioned investigation revealed Hally had admitted some allegations.

Five more men have since come forward with complaints spanning a 29-year period from 1980 to 2009, South Wales Police said following a Freedom of Information request by BBC Wales.

One of the original complainants, Mark Woods, called Hally “a sick individual”.

Police said there was also an additional, separate investigation into the conduct of another former teacher at the school, after a former pupil alleged they were sexually assaulted in the 1970s. This complainant subsequently withdrew their complaint.

“The fact that this did not take place is, of course, a matter of great concern.”

Bridgend council’s investigation revealed allegations were first made in 2018 and 2019, with Hally admitting some of these when interviewed by police.

“But he took his own life while awaiting a decision from the Crown Prosecution Service on whether charges would be brought against him,” a report added.

The local authority has no record of any complaints or safeguarding concerns ever being raised, which is why the independent investigation was launched, with an independent organisation commissioned to carry it out.

More than 100 documents were examined, 29 interviews took place and contact made with those identified as potential victims.

“On the balance of probability and based on the available evidence, the report concludes that prior to his retirement in 2011, Mr Hally abused and engaged in inappropriate behaviour with several male learners during the period 1980 to 2009,” it says.

While none of the staff from the time remain at the school, recommendations include fresh training for recognising signs of abuse, and ensuring staff “remain vigilant and aware” of their reporting responsibilities.

In response to the report, the school said: “Determining why those concerns were not elevated further or taken forward more formally has been complicated by the fact that a significant period of time has now passed, and the individuals concerned are no longer employed at the school.”

It said staff were working alongside council officials to ensure recommendations are “implemented in full”.