Millfield School has suspended two students after an investigation into bullying at the school, which was exposed in The Times on September 16.

The article claimed that younger boys at the boarding school in Street were being beaten with cricket bats and belts by older students as part of an initiation ritual.

A mother spoke to The Times saying her son had been at the private school for a week and had been anxious and reported minor bullying, which they fed back to the housemaster.

But when her son made voice recordings of what was going on, she decided to remove him immediately.

She alleged year 10s were hit with a belt or a cricket bat on their naked backsides and talked of nine students being whipped.

Being bullied?

If you affected by any issues raised by this article, talk to someone.

There are useful helplines and websites available now.

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org .

Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults.

Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn’t have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information. http://www.depressionalliance.org/

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying. http://studentsagainstdepression.org/

The Sanctuary (0300 003 7029) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year, for people who are struggling to cope - experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks or in crisis.

She told The Times she was worried about her son's physical safety and mental wellbeing.

What does the school say?

Millfield School has responded to the article and explained two students have been suspended.

Newly appointed headmaster Gavin Horgan said: “Bullying of any sort is wrong and there is absolutely no place for it anywhere in our school.

"As soon as I was made aware of this allegation an investigation was conducted and the two pupils concerned were suspended.

“As a headmaster new to the school this term, my first step was to write to all our families and encourage them to make contact with me on anything relating to school life.

"My door remains open.

“I believe passionately in pupils having a voice and their wellbeing continues to be our top priority.

"Our rigorous safeguarding procedures mean any concerns that arise at school are dealt with quickly, transparently and fairly.”

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