Eight Outwood Grange Academies Trust secondary schools have been awarded for their work with the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA). The schools have been taking part in the United Against Bullying (UAB) programme - a free initiative by ABA aimed at helping schools in England reduce bullying and enhance the well-being of all students. It particularly focuses on those most at risk, including children and young people with SEND, those who experience racist and faith-targeted bullying, sexual bullying, homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying, looked-after children, young carers and those on free school meals.

The ultimate goal is to create ‘United Against Bullying Schools’; schools which demonstrate their commitment to reducing bullying and improving student well-being. Schools that successfully evidence the improvements they have made over the course of the programme are awarded either Gold, Silver or Bronze 'United Against Bullying School' status.

Seven of the Outwood academies achieved bronze status, while one was awarded silver status.

Silver status

• Outwood Academy Shafton, Barnsley

Bronze status

• Outwood Academy Bydales, Marske-by-the-Sea

• Outwood Academy Carlton, Barnsley

• Outwood Academy Freeston, Normanton

• Outwood Academy Haydock, St Helens

• Outwood Academy Newbold, Chesterfield

• Outwood Academy Ripon, Ripon

• Outwood Grange Academy, Wakefield

Participating schools gain access to various resources, including an online hub with tools allowing them to complete a comprehensive audit, with subsequent action planning tools. Pupil questionnaires are used to assess bullying levels and well-being, and ABA also provides opportunities for professional development for school staff through online and in-person training.

Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal (Secondary), said of the awards:

“I am delighted that our schools have been recognised for the work they have done to create ‘United Against Bullying Schools’. It is important that all children are happy, healthy and safe at school and this work creates awareness of the issues that young people may face in their lives and how to seek support. Raising awareness and educating everyone about bullying is critical work for schools as the impact on young people can be devastating. 

“Mental well-being is important to us at Outwood; students have recently voted for this to be the theme of our next Student Voice Conference, which will see students from across all 28 secondary schools come together to share experiences, gain knowledge & plan how to further promote the importance of good mental well-being in our schools. My role will be to listen to the issues they face and develop further ways in which we can continue to support them.”