A letter sent this week to former pupils by the school's headteacher, or high mistress, Sarah Fletcher, said that several women had recently reported 'troubling events' which they said had happened during their time at the school.

The letter said that some of those allegations, dating back to the 1970s to 1990s, concerned a current member of staff "who has decided to resign his position with immediate effect in the best interests of all".

Staff at the school had contacted the police and been told there were no immediate plans to investigate the allegations.

"We have, nevertheless, referred the individual to the relevant statutory authorities so that his suitability to teach and work with children may be assessed. For this reason, it would not be appropriate to name the member of staff," said Ms Fletcher.

The claims of past abuse at the school, which charges fees of £24,000 a year, came to light after St Paul's asked former students, known as Old Paulinas, for stories of workplace harrassment which could become part of a drama piece.

The drama was set to be a "real life" Edinburgh fringe festival play on sexual harassment in the workplace, inspired by the #MeToo campaign, which has encouraged men and women around the world to share stories of abuse on social media.

Ms Fletcher confirmed that two ex-students responded with from personal experience, while others reported what they had heard from friends, and said that the school is "taking every allegation brought to us very seriously."

In her letter she repeated an appeal for other Old Paulinas to come forward with complaints and promised a full independent inspection of current pastoral care and safeguarding measures at the school.

She added: "I want to ensure that we have a culture here, not only of the highest standards in everything we do, but also an open culture where girls, parents, staff and Old Paulinas feel able to share any concern where they believe those high standards are not being lived up to."

November 23, 2017