Page 39 - Pastoral Guide 2025-2026

Bullying
Every pupil should feel safe from any form of abuse or maltreatment. Pupils are reminded regularly that there is a wide range of adults to whom they can turn for help and a ‘speak-up culture’ is actively encouraged. The College aims to raise pupils’ awareness of bullying through the induction process, the curriculum, the Life Skills programme, as well as through the tutorial system and within Houses. All good schools recognise that bullying can happen anywhere, and there are particular risk factors
to be aware of within a boarding community. We take a proactive approach and anti-bullying is a standing agenda item on many regular meetings, such as Staff Thrive and Pupil Thrive meetings. When bullying does occur, then the College takes a safeguarding approach to all individuals involved with allegations or concerns. Full details can be found on the College website in policies such as the ‘Anti Bullying Policy’ and ‘Safeguarding Policy’.
Are some children particularly vulnerable to bullying?
Any child can be vulnerable to bullying or other abuse due to the strength of peer influence during adolescence, and adults should be alert to signs of such abuse amongst all children. Individual and situational factors can increase
a child’s vulnerability. For example, an image of
a child could be shared, following which they could become more vulnerable due to how others now perceive them. Peer group dynamics can also play an important role in determining a child’s vulnerability. For example, children who are more likely to follow others and/or who are socially isolated from their peers may be more vulnerable. Children who are questioning or exploring their sexuality may also be particularly vulnerable to abuse, as may children with special educational needs.
PASTORAL GUIDE TO MALVERN COLLEGE
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