The government has announced it is launching an “immediate” review into sexual abuse in schools.

It has asked Ofsted to investigate safeguarding policies in both state and independent schools, to assess the “extent and the severity of the issue” and ensure that processes are in place to “allow pupils to report concerns freely, knowing these will be taken seriously and dealt with swiftly and appropriately”.

A dedicated helpline, run by the NSPCC, will also go live tomorrow. It will provide “appropriate support and advice” to victims of sexual abuse in schools, including both children and adults.

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The news comes amid “rape culture” concerns, after thousands of allegations of peer-to-peer sex abuse were received by the Everyone’s Invited website, many of them involving students who attend private schools.

Ofsted review in response to Everyone’s Invited abuse allegations

The Department for Education said the Ofsted review will ensure there is “sufficient guidance” for schools on how to deal with allegations of sexual harassment and violence.

It will also establish whether the current inspection regimes in both the state and private school sectors are “strong enough to address concerns and promote the welfare of children”, the department said.

As part of the review, which will conclude by the end of May, Ofsted will work with school leaders and the Independent Schools Council, as well as representatives from social care, police and victim support groups.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Sexual abuse in any form is abhorrent and it is vital that these allegations are dealt with properly.

“While the majority of schools take their safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously, I am determined to make sure the right resources and processes are in place across the education system to support any victims of abuse to come forward.

“This government is committed to ensuring victims feel supported to refer the most serious allegations to the police via the helpline, safe in the knowledge that everything possible will be done to bring offenders to justice.

“No child or young person should have to experience abuse. But if something isn’t right, they should speak to someone they trust to raise concerns, whether that’s family, a friend, teacher or social worker, helpline or the police.”

Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman said: “Like everyone else, I have been deeply troubled by accounts of the sexual abuse and harassment young people have suffered at school and in the community. So I welcome the secretary of state’s announcement and the opportunity for Ofsted to lead this review.

“Schools have a crucial role to play in teaching young people about sexual consent and respect for women and girls.

“They must also be places where all children feel safe, and where they are able to report any incidents of abuse or harassment and be confident that what they say will be acted upon.

“We will set out the terms of the review shortly.”