Anti-Bullying Week 2026: Break the Silence

From Monday 16th November to Friday 20th November, schools across the country will be marking Anti-Bullying Week 2026, led by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. This year's theme,"Break the Silence," encourages young people to speak up about bullying, support one another and help create communities where everyone feels safe, respected and heard. 

Throughout the week, students will explore the importance of recognising bullying, reporting concerns and being an upstander rather than a bystander. The message is simple but powerful: every conversation about bullying matters, and by speaking up, listening and acting together, we can make a real difference. 

The week begins with Odd Socks Day on Monday 16th November, a celebration of individuality and what makes each of us unique. Students and staff are encouraged to wear odd socks to show that everyone belongs, and that differences should be celebrated, not used as a reason to exclude or bully others. 

Together, we can help ensure that no one feels they have to face bullying alone.

Can your words make a difference?

As part of Anti-Bullying Week 2026, we are inviting every tutor group to take part in our whole-school spoken word competition based on this year's theme,"Break the Silence." Students are encouraged to use their voices to challenge bullying, inspire change and remind others that nobody should suffer in silence.

One entry per tutor group will be submitted, with the winning piece capturing the power of speaking up, listening and standing together against bullying.

Entries are due by Thursday 3rd December at 3pm. Good luck to everyone taking part! 

Questions parents often ask us These are the questions we hear most. If yours isn't here, please get in touch. No question is silly.

Will my child learn things before she's ready?

No. Every topic is planned for the right age and builds on what came before. Year 7 lessons focus on friendships, change and staying safe. More mature topics come later, taught carefully and without graphic detail.

Doesn't talking about risks make young people more curious?

Research shows the opposite. Young people who get accurate information tend to make safer choices and wait longer before taking risks. Without it, many turn to social media or friends, where the information is often wrong.

Is PD compulsory?

Relationships Education and Health Education are required by law for all secondary pupils. You can ask to withdraw your child from some sex education lessons.

Will my family's values and beliefs be respected?

Yes. We teach facts and different views respectfully, and we encourage students to talk to you about what your family believes. Lessons never tell students what they must think about personal or religious matters.

What if my daughter says something personal in class?

Ground rules mean students don't have to share personal stories, and we use made-up case studies instead. If a student tells us something that worries us, we follow our safeguarding procedures to keep her safe.

Who teaches PD?

Form tutors teach PD. They know your daughter well, and they're trained and supported by our PD Lead. Some sessions include trusted outside visitors, whose materials we check first.

A big year of change. Year 7 PD helps her settle in, make friends and understand herself.

TRY ASKING AT HOME - "What's one thing that made you feel like you belong here this week?"

• THERE IS ONLY ONE ME Who am I? Identity and self-worth Managing change and new feelings. Puberty and looking after your body Sleep, screens and healthy routines.
• RELATIONSHIPS MATTER Making and keeping friendships Kindness, respect and bullying. Staying safe online and sharing personal info Families come in many forms. 
• OUR WORLD; MY FUTURE Settling into secondary school Being part of a community. Money basics: needs and wants Personal safety out and about.

Year 8 builds confidence and independence, with a focus on emotions, influence and being online.

TRY ASKING AT HOME - "Have you ever felt pressure to do something online? What did you do?"

• THERE IS ONLY ONE ME Understanding emotions and resilience Body image and the media Drugs, alcohol and vaping: the facts Healthy eating and being active.
• RELATIONSHIPS MATTER Peer pressure and saying no Healthy and unhealthy friendships Online behaviour and digital footprints Respecting difference and challenging prejudice.
• OUR WORLD; MY FUTURE Discrimination and equality Careers and skills: what am I good at? Saving and spending Community safety.

In Year 9 she explores relationships, health and choices in more depth, ready for choosing her options.

TRY ASKING AT HOME - "What makes someone a good friend, or a good partner, in your opinion?"

• THERE IS ONLY ONE ME Mental health and coping strategies Self-examination and health checks. Substance misuse and risk Managing stress.
• RELATIONSHIPS MATTER Healthy relationships and consent Recognising coercion and control Understanding harmful content online. Misogyny and harmful influencers.
• OUR WORLD; MY FUTURE GCSE options and future pathways Gangs, knife crime and exploitation. Financial risk and gambling Rights and responsibilities.

Year 10 prepares her for more independence, with honest, mature lessons on relationships, health and work.

TRY ASKING AT HOME - "What do you think makes a relationship healthy? What are the warning signs?"

• THERE IS ONLY ONE ME Mental health and help seeking Sexual health and contraception Organ donation and first aid Self-care during exam years.
• RELATIONSHIPS MATTER Consent and the law Image-based abuse and sharing nudes Domestic abuse and where to get help Relationship values and choices.
• OUR WORLD; MY FUTURE Work experience and employability Budgeting and payslips Extremism and radicalisation Online reputation and future employers.

In her final year, PD focuses on wellbeing during exams and getting ready for life after school.

TRY ASKING AT HOME - "What are you most looking forward to after Year 11, and what feels a bit scary?"

• THERE IS ONLY ONE ME Exam stress and wellbeing Healthy routines for revision Sexual health and screening Looking after your mental health after school.
• RELATIONSHIPS MATTER Respect in relationships as young adults Families, parenting and commitment. Staying safe at parties and on nights out Online safety as a young adult.
• OUR WORLD; MY FUTURE Post-16 applications and interviews Student finance, credit and debt Independent living skills Voting and being an active citizen.

You don't need to be an expert, and you don't need all the answers. What matters most is that your daughter knows she can come to you.

• Go side by side  - Chats often go better in the car, while cooking or on a walk. Sitting side by side feels less intense than face to face.
• Start with something else - A TV storyline, a news story or "what did you do in PD today?" is an easier way in than a direct question.
• Listen more than you talk - Ask "what do you think?" first. You'll learn what she already knows and what she's worried about.
• It's fine not to know -  "That's a good question. Let's find out together" builds trust. So does "can I think about that and come back to you?"
• Stay calm, even if you're surprised -  If you react calmly, she's more likely to come back next time. You can always take a moment and come back to it.
• Share your values - Tell her what your family believes and why, and let her know she can disagree with you and still be listened to.
• Keep it little and often - Lots of short chats work better than one big "talk".

EVERY HALF TERM · FROM THE PD TEAM Use your PD letter as a conversation guide

1. What's coming up: the topics for each week, so you can mention them before or after the lesson.
2. Conversation starters: two or three questions to try at home.
3. Withdrawal information: a clear note on any lessons that include sex education, and how to get in touch.
4. Useful links: trusted websites if you'd like to read more.

PHRASES THAT HELP

• "I'm really glad you told me."
• "What have you heard about…?"
• "How did that make you feel?"
• "You're not in trouble."
• "What would help right now?"
• "Let's work it out together."

OUR POLICY

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) policy Our policy explains what we teach, how and why. It has been updated in line with the Department for Education's revised statutory guidance, which schools must follow from September 2026.

WPSfG Sex and Relationships Policy

What's new this year

• More openness: you can ask to see any RSHE teaching materials.
• Clearer withdrawal process: it's now simpler to understand what you can and can't withdraw from.
• Online safety: more teaching on online harms, sharing images and staying safe on social media.
• Respect and equality: teaching on misogyny, harmful influencers and online cultures that target young people.
• Health: updated teaching on mental wellbeing, puberty and looking after yourself.

Most of PD is for everyone. You can ask to withdraw your daughter from the sex education parts of RSE. We'll always tell you in the PD letter when these lessons are coming up.

From three terms before her 16th birthday, your daughter can choose to join these lessons herself. If she does, the school will make sure she gets them.

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING

Looking after her mind as well as her body Everyone has ups and downs, and the teenage years bring a lot of change. Here are some things to look out for, and what you can do.

Trusted support, all in one place Free, confidential services for parents, carers and young people.

If someone is in immediate danger Call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health help, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option. It's open 24 hours a day. You can also text SHOUT to 85258 at any time.

• IN SCHOOL Your daughter's form tutor Always the best first step. They'll pass concerns on to the right person.
• FOR PARENTS YoungMinds Parents Helpline Free advice for parents and carers worried about a young person's mental health. 0808 802 5544 · youngminds.org.uk
• YOUNG PEOPLE Childline Talk to a trained counsellor about anything, by phone or online chat. 0800 1111 · childline.org.uk
• YOUNG PEOPLE Kooth Free, anonymous online support and counselling for young people. kooth.com
• 24/7 TEXT Shout Free text support any time, for anyone who is struggling. Text SHOUT to 85258
• EVERYONE Samaritans Someone to talk to, day or night, whatever you're going through. 116 123 · samaritans.org
• YOUNG PEOPLE & PARENTS Papyrus HOPELINE247 Confidential support for young people who are struggling, and for anyone worried about a young person. 0800 068 4141
• FOR PARENTS NSPCC Helpline Advice if you're worried about a child's safety or wellbeing. 0808 800 5000 · nspcc.org.uk
• ONLINE SAFETY Internet Matters Practical guides to parental controls, apps and online risks, by age. internetmatters.org
• ONLINE SAFETY CEOP (National Crime Agency) Report worries about online sexual abuse or grooming. ceop.police.uk
• ONLINE SAFETY Report Remove From Childline and the IWF. Helps under-18s get nude images of themselves taken down. childline.org.uk/remove