Anti-bullying expert impressed with St Sampson’s High School

Mr Holmes is deputy CEO of young people’s charity the Diana Award, which runs an anti-bullying ambassador programme designed to equip students with skills to combat instances of bullying among their peers.

He spoke to St Sampson’s students in Years 8 and 9 as part of an assembly, before leading a workshop with 13 of the school’s own anti-bullying ambassadors.

Mr Holmes, who himself was bullied when he went to secondary school, was impressed at the students’ level of knowledge when it came to recognising signs of bullying.

‘They’re very clued up, especially with online safety, limiting your phone and screen time and acknowledging that people have a digital reputation through the things they post,’ he said.

He said that some of the methods used to foster a positive learning environment included speaking out if encountering bullying, rewarding and recognising good ideas and contributions in classes, and sharing compliments.

‘Encouraging students to play an active role is the best way to implement these things,’ he said.

‘Letting students have a say in policy, peer-to-peer contact and regular meetings between anti-bullying ambassadors all have a positive impact.’

He added that the anti-bullying ambassador roles were completely voluntary, and praised those students who had decided to give up their time to get involved in the role.

Two years ago an Ofsted inspection report found St Sampson’s to be inadequate in terms of behaviour and attitudes, with bullying highlighted as a particular problem.

However, an inspection this year found the school’s curriculum had undergone many recent changes, which led to the school being found to be ‘good’ in all areas.

Students agreed that things had got much better.

Year 11 student Arwen Langlois, 15, said the atmosphere at the school now compared to when she was in Year 7 was completely different.

‘I think before, being unique was frowned upon, now the more unique you are, the better,’ she said.

‘People are more comfortable being themselves.’

Charlie Dicker, 13, said she had decided to become an anti-bullying ambassador because she had been bullied when she started at St Sampson’s.

‘I want to be the person I needed when I was in Year 7,’ she said.

Ellie Luxon, 13, added that hearing Mr Holmes’ own experiences of being bullied had been eye-opening.

‘It makes you realise how important it is to be compassionate, to listen and to help anyone you think might need it,’ she said.