How do I stop DS making things worse again?

[Yakky]

DS has been at new sec school for a month now. He knew nobody in his form class but made friends with a couple of boys and one particular girl(call her X) who he really likes and she really likes him.
However, she is in a group of about 8 girls who all moved up together from primary school and one particular girl in this group has taken an instant dislike to my DS. This girl has pushed X to break off her friendship with DS which has led to a lot of falling out. Also the boys that DS has made friends with do not like X as they all went to primary together and did not get on then. (why is it so complicated?)
Anyway, DS ended up in exclusion this week for getting into a physical stand off with X's friend and they both lashed out.
However, after the Head of Year smoothed things over all seems fine again, or so I thought.
X has informed DS that, if they are to stay friends (which they both want) then it has to be in secret and they have to pretend they do not like each other at school in front of this girl. DS said he wanted to be friends out in the open as secrets would just blow up in their faces again. But X is afraid that her "group" will split if thier friendship is out in the open.
I have no idea what to do for the best. It just seems to me that everyone's lives is being run by this girl who appears to rule the group.
What should I do?

Nothing.
It's school. You can advise him and severely reprimand him for engaging in a physical altercation with this "alpha girl" but these experiences, both good and bad are what will help him to prepare for life. There's alpha bitches, doormats, aggressive, friendly, manipulative and cowardly people everywhere. It's a horrible experience. I am sorry that your DS has experienced a "clique" spitting feathers at him but as with adult life, sometimes just ignoring and getting on and being happy with your other friends in other avenues is what's needed.

He is worth more than being a "secret friend" too. The poor girl will one day hopefully grow out of being dictated to by this other child and your son does not deserve to feel forced to pretend like that.

I would tell your son to remain polite, pleasant and nice in school and most importantly, IGNORE them. it's hard but SO worth it The one thing bitches can't stand is when you take their power away!

Help him to see that strength of character and courage of convictions are more important than name calling and manipulation.

...that's my 2p anywho... I was in a similar boat as a teen and my amazing mother helped me to take control and become a stronger more decisive person for it