A Christchurch Catholic boys' school was alerted to allegations of sexual offending by a priest nearly 20 years before his conviction

Rowan Maxwell Donoghue has admitted historic abuse at St Bede's College between 1996 and 2000, targeting boarders - particularly homesick boys.

Rector Jon McDowall says Police have told the College it had previously been notified of concerns about Donoghue.

An investigation's determining what was known and how it was handled.

McDowall says he would be appalled if there was any failure to act.