A former sports teacher will stand trial accused of sexually abusing students at a top private school.

Ajaz Karim, 63, of Hammersmith in west London, denies nine charges of indecent assault and one of attempted indecent assault against six girls at Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, West Sussex, between 1985 and 1993.

As well as working as head coach at the school for 10 years from 1985, the sports consultant held the same position at Eton College for eight years from 2008, and also at The Hurlingham Club for 12 years from 2003, as well as being head of squash at Queen’s Club for 32 years until last year, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Ajaz Karim denies the charges (Gareth Fuller/PA)

He was due to stand trial on Tuesday at Brighton Crown Court but the proceedings were delayed until Friday after his barrister was taken to hospital.

The prosecution is part of a wider police investigation into separate allegations of abuse by other former teachers at the school.

Founded in the 16th century, Christ’s Hospital charges boarders up to £31,500 a year and counts Sir Barnes Wallis, inventor of the bouncing bomb, and poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge as alumni.

Pupils still wear a Tudor-style uniform consisting of a long blue coat and high yellow socks.