14 Year Olds Behaviour at School - Help!!

[Mollys1965]

My 14 year old son has been constantly playing up since starting senior school - he is now in Year 9. Although his behaviour is not violent, he doesn't like 'authority' and always plays up the teaching staff by talking back, not doing as he's asked, denying responsibility etc. etc. Today I was told that he is being put into a Year 7 Tutor Group with a teacher who he has clashed with big time in the past (on both sides, I might add!). Although Tutor Group only lasts 20 mins of the school day, I know he will refuse to go to school tomorrow because of this. I have spoken to the school but they are not budging. I have no problem with my son facing consequences for his actions, but I almost feel that putting him in with the Year 7s is 'belittling' him on purpose and almost a form of emotional bullying? I do not see why he cannot go to another Year 9 tutor group? Has anyone else had an experience similiar to this before? My head is spinning with the 'rights' and 'wrongs' of the situation and I need some advice please! Thanks