Angry parents speak out about bullying at school (From This is Hampshire)

Angry parents speak out about bullying at school

8:56am Friday 2nd March 2007 in

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THE parents of two victims have spoken out about bullying at a Basingstoke school.

Bill Watson and his wife Sue, whose daughter Nicola, 15, attends Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School, say they feel the issue should be out in the open.

And they have been joined by the mother of a girl bullied by the same gang.

Mr Watson said Nicola, a Year 11 student who is due to sit her GCSE exams later this summer, was victimised by a gang of about eight girls last November and has not spent much time at school since.

My daughter has been reduced to a frightened individual who can barely sleep, let alone concentrate on her GCSEs

Bill Watson

Mr Watson claims that, despite countless meetings with headteacher Anthony Corish and the head of year, the school has refused to take a firm hand with the perpetrators, whom he says "run amok".

He said: "We were looking at ways to get Nicola back into school as she hasn't really been back properly since November, which is just not acceptable.

"Formerly a bubbly young teenager, keen to do well, my daughter has been reduced to a frightened individual who can barely sleep, let alone concentrate on her GCSEs."

Mr Watson said there have also been threats of violence, which have been reported to the police, and the family car was damaged when a brick was thrown through the window.

Another mum has also contacted The Gazette about bullying at Bishop Challoner.

The mum, who does not wish to be named, said her 15-year-old daughter was targeted and, after an argument about boys, was left with a bruised elbow and cuts to her lip.

She said: "Both our girls have very little self-esteem left. Why should this gang get away with it?

"It is meant to be a church school that loves everyone. But all they are interested in are the grades and whether the kids are wearing their blazers or not."

In a statement to The Gazette, Tony Cullinane, chairman of governors at the school, said: "Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School has a robust anti-bullying policy.

"Pupils are aware of the policy and know what is expected of them with regards to behaviour and their responsibility of care towards others.

"Any complaint is always taken seriously, thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken.

"If parents have any concerns, the headteacher or his senior management team is always willing to meet and discuss matters."