The deputy head teacher of a primary school in Battersea has pleaded guilty to five child sexual abuse offences.

Matthew Smith, 34, was arrested at his home in East Dulwich on November 6.

Smith was charged with causing or inciting the sexual abuse of a child under 13, distributing indecent images of children in category A, and three counts of making indecent images of children in categories A-C.

George and Princess Charlotte both attended Thomas’s Battersea until earlier this year when they moved to Lambrook School near Ascot.

The school has announced that “there is no suggestion that the offences relate to Mr Smith’s employment at Thomas’s or to any current or former pupils of the school”.

Smith pleaded guilty to all five counts yesterday (November 9) and is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court for sentencing.

The sentencing date is yet to be confirmed.

A spokesperson for the school said: "We have been shocked and distressed to learn of these charges. “The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is, and always will be, our top priority.

"As there are ongoing criminal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time other than to say that there is no suggestion that the offences relate to Mr Smith’s employment at Thomas’s or to any current or former pupils of the school.”

"As soon as the school learned of the charges, Mr Smith’s employment at the school, which commenced in September this year, was terminated with immediate effect.”

Tony Cook, NCA Head of Child Sexual Abuse investigations, said: “These guilty pleas are a significant step in what is an ongoing, complex investigation.

“Child sex abuse perpetrated online and across borders is a substantial threat to the UK, and the NCA is dedicated to investigating in these challenging spaces in order to safeguard children and pursue the highest risk offenders."