Allegations about harsh discipline at six secondary schools in Devon and Cornwall in England are "serious and concerning," according to the Department for Education.
The government also said it will subject the Athena Learning Trust, which runs the academies, to enhanced monitoring.
Meanwhile, hundreds of parents and students have joined protests about the strict teaching regime at the schools, telling BBC Panorama they think the Trust went too far.
The Trust said it accepts there is a "clear need for change" and is planning to disband.
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