Shaun Baker, 50, Head of Drama at Bromley’s Ravens Wood School repeatedly abused the boy when he was aged twelve to fifteen years-old over a decade ago.
Remarkably, he asked the sentencing judge to give him credit for establishing an after-school club, which provided him further opportunities to groom the youngster.
Baker, of Ridgeway, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells fought the charges for nearly four years, but was convicted by a Croydon Crown Court jury of three counts of rape.
He was also convicted of seven counts of sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust; a further count of sexual activity with a child when he was no longer his schoolteacher; two counts of causing a child to watch sexual activity, plus a count of sending images of sexual activity.
The offences occurred between September, 2009 and January, 2013 in Baker’s home, garage and car, with the schoolteacher ordering the boy to duck down in his vehicle so his professional colleagues would not see him.
Some of the abuse also occurred at Baker’s former addresses in West Peckham, Kent and Charterhouse Road, Orpington.
The trial heard Baker’s grooming continued at his after-school ’Tech Club’ which taught youngsters the skills of lighting, sound and special effects in live performances.
The victim was also encouraged to play ‘truth or dare’ games in Baker’s garage, where his technical equipment was stored, involving mutual exposure and escalating the grooming.
Baker touched the boy intimately and forced to youngster to touch him; showed him gay porn DVD’s, escalating to the most serious offences of oral rape.
He was arrested in October, 2021 when the victim eventually came forward - resulting in suspension from teaching - and was charged nearly two years later.
“During his evidence the victim described him as a respected and very popular teacher amongst the pupils and other teachers,” said Sadaf Etemadi, defending.
“He went above and beyond the regular teaching hours and set-up an after-school club and the complainant says there were positive aspects with Mr Baker being his only support network.”
The court heard Baker enjoys the continued support of his family and his partner, who he only met one month before his arrest and accompanied him throughout the trial.
“He was an exemplary teacher with an enviable record and has dedicated his life to the profession. During his evidence he outlined his career and background and what came through was his passion for teaching,” added Ms Etemadi.
“It is anticipated he will be banned from teaching and to Mr Baker that is the greatest punishment. He knows he can never go back to teaching.”
The victim did not attend the hearing, but in a statement said: “I had been a child manipulated by an adult and now finally my voice that was not heard as a child has been heard.
“He abused his position of trust as a teacher and the abuse took place systematically. I have re-lived the feelings of helplessness and have woken up terrified.”
Judge Peter Gower KC told Baker he must serve two-thirds of the sentence before parole can be considered and must sign the sex offenders register for life.
“You sometimes collected him after school and told him to duck down in your car so the other teachers would not see both of you,” Judge Gower told suited Baker, who showed no emotion.
“You began to abuse him on a regular basis in both your home and in the privacy of your garage, where you knew you would not be disturbed by your then partner.
“He submitted because he felt he had no choice and thought of himself as your trusted sidekick and you exploited him.
“You told him it was ‘your secret’ and not to tell anybody and when the complainants mother became suspicious he denied anything was happening.”
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