Anti-Bullying
At Tavistock College, every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. Bullying of any kind is not tolerated. Our mission is clear: Make Bullying Extinct.
Our Commitment
We have introduced a new Anti-Bullying Policy to strengthen our approach and ensure consistency across the college. This policy focuses on:
- Clear escalation system for repeated incidents
- Improved tracking and monitoring
- Support for both victims and perpetrators
- Follow-up intervention work to prevent recurrence
What is bullying?
Bullying is repetitive, intentional harm where there’s an imbalance of power. It can happen face-to-face or online. Types include:
- Emotional – excluding, tormenting
- Physical – hitting, pushing, stealing
- Verbal – name-calling, teasing, threats
- Racial or Sexual – offensive remarks or gestures
- Cyberbullying – online harassment via social media, games, or messages
Learn more from the Anti-bullying alliance
How to report bullying
- Speak to a trusted adult (form tutor, teacher, Head of Year) Staff List
- Use the ‘Need to Talk’ email link needtotalk@dmatschools.org.uk
- Ask a friend to help report it
- Parents/carers can contact the school directly Contact Us
What happens next?
We use a tiered response system when dealing with bullying. Actions and outcomes include:
- Warning 1 – Parental meeting, 1-day isolation, support plan and intervention
- Warning 2 – Parental meeting, Contract, 2-day isolation, further intervention
- Warning 3 – Consideration for suspension/exclusion, managed move, offsite direction to another school
Advice and support
Signs of bullying: reluctance to attend school, unexplained injuries, withdrawal, changes in behaviour.
Tips for Parents/families:
- Stay calm and listen
- Gather evidence
- Agree next steps together
- Model respect and kindness
- Seek help early
Helpful UK Resources
- Anti-Bullying Alliance
- Childline – Call 0800 1111
- NSPCC
- Government Guidance
- Kidscape