What is Bullying?

Bullying is any behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group, either physically or emotionally. Our complete Anti-Bullying Policy can be found on the Policies and Documentation page.

Bullying can take many forms, including but not limited to:

  • Physical behaviour (e.g., hitting or pushing)
  • Verbal behaviour (e.g., name-calling or insults)
  • Exclusion (e.g., deliberately excluding someone from a group or activity)
  • Damage to property or theft
  • Threats
  • Cyberbullying

Our Approach to Bullying

At Mayflower High School, every student has the right to attend lessons and participate in activities without fear of bullying or harassment. We promote tolerance and respect for all and take a proactive stance on anti-bullying through a variety of measures, including:

  • Whole-school assemblies
  • A comprehensive Life Skills programme across all year groups, addressing issues such as bullying
  • A daily Tutor Time programme focused on key topics and discussions
  • Pastoral support via Form Tutors and Year Managers
  • Staff training on how to recognise, address, and report bullying effectively
  • Peer supporters to provide additional help
  • Whole-school assemblies
  • A comprehensive Life Skills programme across all year groups, addressing issues such as bullying
  • A daily Tutor Time programme focused on key topics and discussions
  • Pastoral support via Form Tutors and Year Managers
  • Staff training on how to recognise, address, and report bullying effectively
  • Peer supporters to provide additional help

Our Approach to Bullying

At Mayflower High School, every student has the right to attend lessons and participate in activities without fear of bullying or harassment. We promote tolerance and respect for all and take a proactive stance on anti-bullying through a variety of measures, including:

  • Arguments, disagreements, or “falling out”: Friendships may occasionally break down. If behaviours are repeated or targeted, they could develop into bullying.
  • One-off verbal comments: These are unacceptable and should be reported, but they may not qualify as bullying unless repeated
  • One-off physical altercations: Incidents like fights are serious and will be addressed, but they only constitute bullying if repeated or targeted.
  • Pushing or barging in the corridor: This may be accidental or isolated, but repeated incidents could be bullying.

Mayflower High School’s Commitment

Mayflower High School will:

  • Take all reports of bullying seriously, even if there is no immediate evidence.
  • Distinguish bullying from other poor behaviours, addressing both appropriately.
  • Record all instances of bullying or suspected bullying.
  • Act swiftly, firmly, and fairly to resolve concerns.
  • Provide support and advice to victims through school staff or external agencies where necessary.
  • Facilitate restorative meetings between victims and perpetrators, if suitable.
  • Inform and update parents of all parties involved.
  • Sanction bullying behaviours in line with the Behaviour for Learning Policy.
  • Offer further support for both perpetrators and victims.
  • Set clear behavioural expectations moving forward.

Advice for Parents

  • Be observant for unusual behaviours, such as reluctance to attend school.
  • Reassure your child that the bullying is not their fault.
  • Establish the facts and understand what your child wants to happen next.
  • Encourage your child to report bullying to the school.
  • Inform the school promptly if you suspect bullying; contact the Year Manager.
  • Encourage confidence-building activities.
  • Assist the school in implementing strategies to address bullying.
  • Avoid contacting other parents or students directly, as this may exacerbate the issue.
  • Do not post about incidents on social media; report online bullying to the platform instead.

If you are dissatisfied with the school’s handling of the situation, escalate concerns to the Senior Leadership Team or follow the Complaints Procedure.

If Your Child Has Been Accused of Bullying

We value the partnership between home and school in addressing concerns. It can be distressing to learn your child has been involved in bullying. As parents, you play a vital role in helping them recognise the harm caused and change their behaviour.

  • Help your child understand what constitutes bullying and why it is wrong.
  • Encourage open communication so they feel safe discussing worries.
  • Teach them to resist peer pressure and avoid retaliatory bullying.
  • Monitor and guide their use of social media.
  • Model respectful behaviour for your child to emulate.

Together, we can create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students.

Further support:

A coalition of organisations and individuals that are united against bullying. The website contains advice and guidance on all forms of bullying.

an international anti-bullying charity. Designed to support young people aged 12-25 who are impacted. The website contains a range of resources and offers digital one-to-one support.

The bullying section of Family Lives; a service designed to offer active support and advice to families.

A mental health service for young people. This link provides information and advice on bullying via this service. Young Minds has a crisis messenger that young people can access in an emergency.

provides information and advice on bullying in schools, but also in the