School boys
Chelfham Mill School shut down after students claim being restrained with force. Getty Images

A private school for troubled boys near Devon has been shut down for investigation after students complained of prison-like treatment.

Students at the Chelfham Mill School complained of physical abuse and said boys who were found to break rules were often restrained by force.

It was like a prison for children. I can assure you the abuse is real, it happened to me and I still suffer from it now.
- Former student

The institution that houses some 40 troubled boys between the ages of seven and 18 was shut down by regulator Ofsted until investigations are complete.

According to a testimonial from a former student, reported BBC News: "The humiliations were much worse [than being restrained] ...pupils sometimes had to wear pyjamas all day, walking around school and at lessons."

While another student said: "It was like a prison for children. I can assure you the abuse is real, it happened to me and I still suffer from it now."

Meanwhile, the school management insists full cooperation while some of the boys from the school have been placed into foster care.

"I can assure you I am committed to supporting the investigation process," said Katy Roberts, the school principal.

The school is to remain closed for at least six weeks.

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