Charter for Catholic school hit by decades of abuse

A LEADING Catholic school at which children were physically and sexually abused over decades has announced a new safeguarding charter.

Monks at Ampleforth College, a prestigious independent school in North Yorkshire, hid allegations of “appalling sexual abuse” against pupils as young as seven to protect the church’s reputation, according to a report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse published in August.

The school has now set out eight commitments to keep children in its care safe.

A specialist solicitor brought in to oversee the college’s progress said it had already made significant safeguarding improvements and is working “collaboratively and transparently” with the police and the local safeguarding children board.

Emma Moody, of Womble Bond Dickinson solicitors, said: “Ampleforth has already implemented significant improvements to the way safeguarding is reviewed and managed, and I have reported my confidence in the current safeguarding system to the Charity Commission.

“Everyone who I am working with at the college is wholly committed to protecting the children in their care. Importantly, Ampleforth has also strengthened relationships with relevant statutory agencies such as the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Board and the North Yorkshire Police.”

Ms Moody is to continue as interim manager for Ampleforth Abbey Trust and St Laurence Education Trust for six months to ensure that new structures and processes are embedded across the organisation.