A Melbourne teacher is accused of sexually abusing a student and is facing several charges including rape.

Daphney Louise Matthews, 38, appeared briefly in Melbourne Magistrates Court this morning for a filing hearing.

The former history and legal studies teacher at Huntingtower School faces 16 charges made up of six counts of rape; six counts of sexual penetration of a 16 or 17-year-old under her care, supervision or authority; and one count each of assault, committing an indecent act with a child under 16, procuring a child under 16 for sexual penetration with herself, and persistent sexual abuse of a child under 16.

The offences relate to one complainant, who is a female.

Huntingtower is a co-educational Christian day and boarding school in Mount Waverley.