Bullying in Schools

Bullying in schools is a growing concern across the UK. Despite greater awareness, many children continue to face physical, verbal and online abuse that can seriously impact their wellbeing, confidence and education. When a school fails to respond appropriately, parents are often left feeling powerless and unsure of their next steps.

Bullying is more than unkind behaviour. The Anti‑Bullying Alliance defines it as “the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power.” Bullying can be physical, verbal, psychological or online, and its effects can be long‑lasting.

When schools fall short

Schools have a legal duty of care to safeguard pupils and to act promptly when concerns are raised. These school legal obligations are reinforced by statutory guidance and can extend beyond the school gates, e.g., when bullying begins on the journey home but is shared online, or when behaviour outside school impacts a child’s safety in school.

Common issues we advise on include:

• Schools failing to investigate properly
• Inadequate or inconsistent application of behaviour policies
• Dismissing serious safeguarding concerns
• Minimising peer‑on‑peer sexual harassment
• Failing to protect a child with SEND or other vulnerabilities
• Not preventing repeat incidents
• Poor communication with parents
• Failures in child protection in schools processes.

Where discrimination is involved, such as racial or disability related harassment, there may also be claims under the Equality Act.

How can we support you?

Many forms of bullying are unlawful, including assault, threats of violence, hate incidents, harassment and cyberbullying. When behaviour crosses into criminal territory, or when a school fails to safeguard a child in its care, legal intervention may be necessary.

We provide clear, decisive and practical legal support for families dealing with bullying, peer on peer abuse and sexual assault in schools. We offer a fixed fee consultation so you can speak directly with an experienced safeguarding specialist and understand your options from the outset.

We have specialist expertise in safeguarding issues, including:

• Bullying and harassment
• Peer on peer abuse
• Sexual harassment and sexual assault between pupils
• Sexual abuse by adult
• Online and cyberbullying incidents
• Discriminatory bullying, including race, disability, religion, sex or sexual orientation
• Failures in safeguarding procedures
• Child protection in schools
• School legal obligations around safeguarding and responding to bullying
• School complaints and escalation processes.

We bring a strategic, solution focused approach to every case. Our priority is always the safety, wellbeing and long-term prospects of the child. We have acted for many families, navigating sensitive and complex safeguarding issues.

We provide:

A clear assessment of your child’s legal position

We explain your rights, the school’s duties and their legal obligations, along with the realistic options available. You will receive pragmatic, actionable advice from the start.

Support with school complaints

We help you draft effective complaints, request key documents and challenge inadequate responses. When necessary, we advise on escalation to governors, academy trusts or the local authority.

Safeguarding focused legal strategy

We assess whether the school has complied with statutory guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education and its child protection duties, advising on next steps where processes have been mishandled.

Expertise in peer-on-peer abuse and sexual assault

These cases require highly specialist knowledge. We understand how schools should investigate, record and respond, and we ensure your child’s safety and needs are central to the outcome.

Representation and escalation

If matters cannot be resolved through engagement with the school, we advise on formal legal routes, including discrimination claims, judicial review and referrals to external agencies.

Throughout the process, we remain approachable, supportive and proactive, ensuring you always understand what is happening and what can be done next.

Fixed-fee consultation

We recognise that families need clarity quickly. We therefore offer a fixed fee consultation with a safeguarding specialist where you can discuss your concerns in detail, understand the strength of your case and receive tailored, practical guidance.

You will leave the consultation knowing:

• What the school should have done under its child protection duties
• What steps can be taken now
• Whether further legal action is appropriate
• What outcomes you can realistically expect.

This gives you confidence and direction at a time that can feel overwhelming.