The Charity Commission has found “significant weaknesses” in the safeguarding, governance and management of the two trusts responsible for the running of independent school Ampleforth College and neighbouring Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire, BBC News has reported.

An investigation into the St Laurence Educational Trust (SLET) and the Ampleforth Abbey Trust (AAT) was triggered by allegations in 2016 of sexual abuse committed against pupils by monks and staff which were later found to be true.

In 2018, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse determined there had been a “culture of acceptance of abusive behaviour” at the college.

The Charity Commission’s inquiry looked into both charities’ approach to safeguarding, including practices and procedures, and how they ensured a safe environment for children.

Amy Spiller, head of investigations at the Commission, said: “We expect safeguarding to be a priority for all charities, and the lack of oversight demonstrated mismanagement in the administration of these charities.”

The Commission recognised progress has been made by both charities including compliance with regulatory standards, “but the findings of our inquiry underscored the importance of maintaining high safeguarding standards and rebuilding public trust.”

SLET stated it was “grateful for the support that the commission has given in helping us identify and address failings in the safeguarding regime for Ampleforth College.

“We share the commission’s objective that our beneficiaries should be safe at all times. We have worked very hard to put a regime and culture in place that delivers outstanding safeguarding and pastoral care and will continue to do so.”

In a statement, AAT said: “The Abbot of Ampleforth Abbey would like to take this opportunity to offer sincere and heartfelt apology to anyone who suffered abuse while in the care of our schools, parishes, or other ministries.

“Throughout this inquiry, the trustees have co-operated with the commission and have worked hard, with the help and guidance of many professionals, to learn from past mistakes and to ensure that a positive and professional safeguarding culture is embedded in all of the abbey’s works.”