BIG Anti-Bullying Award

Swanshurst School is proud to announce that we have been awarded the BIG Award for Excellence in Challenging Bullying 2025 to 2026 by the Bullying Intervention Group (BIG). This nationally recognised accreditation is given to schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

This recognition follows our school community marking Anti-Bullying Week with a series of student-led activities. Our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors led assemblies, sold pin badges to raise funds for an anti-bullying charity and encouraged the school community to take part in Odd Socks Day. We are also proudly flying the Be Kind flag to reaffirm our commitment to kindness and respect.

BIG commended the wide range of measures in place at Swanshurst to challenge and prevent bullying. Val McFarlane, Director of the Bullying Intervention Group, said:

“Swanshurst School have implemented a wide range of anti-bullying measures to ensure that their students can learn and socialise in a safe and friendly environment. They have a peer mentor scheme, the students are trained to support younger pupils with any issues. The peer mentors are trained and supervised by staff. The anti-bullying focus group meet regularly to plan events and exchange ideas. The school encourages a whole school approach which involves the young people and their parents or carers too. Awareness raising occurs throughout the school year to ensure students recognise bullying and have an inclusive and welcoming environment. Speakers are invited to assist with this from various organisations.

Bullying can happen in any school or organisation, but having a whole school approach, with trained staff and even trained students, can reduce and address this. I am so pleased to award Swanshurst School with the BIG Award for Excellence in Challenging Bullying.”

We are delighted to receive this award and would like to thank all staff and students for their ongoing dedication to making Swanshurst a safe and welcoming place for everyone.