Police speak to over 100 alleged abuse survivors at Cheltenham schools

Institutional abuse lawyer Alison Millar has welcomed a complex investigation into alleged abuse at two schools near Cheltenham.
 
In August this year a former member of staff was arrested over claims of physical and sexual abuse at Badgeworth Court and Dowdeswell Court schools near Cheltenham, and Clouds House school near Salisbury.
 
The alleged abuse is said to have taken place at the boys’ boarding schools from the 1960s to 1980s.  The schools have since closed.
 
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of abuse at the schools.  They have been granted police bail to appear at a later date.
 
Police from forces in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset are now carrying out a complex investigation into the alleged abuse.
 
After contacting former pupils of the schools the police carried out the arrests.  The police would like to speak to more than 160 people, but have only managed to contact about 100 people, as some former pupils have been reluctant to speak out.
 
The schools were privately run, but some children were placed there by local authorities.
 
Institutional abuse claims lawyer at Leigh Day, Alison Millar said:
 
“I know that many survivors of abuse find it very difficult to speak out about their experiences, but I urge anyone who attended Badgeworth Court, Dowdeswell Court and Clouds House schools to contact their local police force if they wish to report allegations that they suffered abuse.
 
“A number of excellent support organisations exist which can help people who suffered abuse, including those abused whilst in institutional care, and I recommend their services.”