13 year old bullied since year 7

[Nat50]

My son has been constantly bullied since year 7. It seems the kids have turned the whole year against him and he has only 1 friend, who in my opinion isn't good for him either as he puts him down a lot. My son doesn't want to change schools because he is too anxious. He is having counselling but doesn't want to go to school. Do I still send him? I've already had 1 letter from the school about his poor attendance. Some advice would be very welcome

Ya I agree with you op homeschooling will simply limit his social life and contact. It's good that bullying has been picked up by ofsted at least some hope for your son. Half term is around the corner so hopefully things get better then. Have you considered a police complaint? It may act as a deterrent to the kids involved as to me it seems like it is really affecting your boy.

I would still suggest looking for another school and see how he gets on there. He doesn't have to say why he moved. May be help him come up with some storyline, moved houses or anything to tell his new mates. I really hope things work out for you and your son. Xx

Poor thing, I can’t blame him for not wanting to go to school. I assume the LEA are aware of the reason for his poor attendance?

I think you need to change schools. You are the adult and need to make a decision in his best interests. I would normally advocate trying to force the school to deal with it, but if the whole year is basically against him what is the point? If it was a small group maybe, but I think a clean break is needed here.

Poor boy. I'd pull him out & change schools or home school him.

Are there any local groups you can get him involved in or are all these kids everywhere?

Home schooled kids can get social I believe there's quite a good community out there it's something I've thought about.

But if that's not an option I'd deffo change schools .

I have had the meeting and things are being put in place to support him. The children concerned are being dealt with hopefully. If he moves schools he will lose the only friend he does have. I'm feeling a bit more positive after today's meeting

I have told them I won't tolerate it anymore. Other schools or home schooling are still an option, I'm just concerned with home schooling that I can't give him the time he will need

That's a start. Fingers crossed they'll sort it properly.