This week has been a valuable opportunity for our community to focus on Anti-Bullying Week and the critical importance of kindness, respect and standing up for one another. This reflection was made even more significant as Anti-Bullying Week coincided with World Kindness Day 2025 on Thursday 13th November.

In the Senior School, our Sixth Form School Captains specifically championed the theme of kindness. For example, Fry House launched a fantastic “guerrilla kindness campaign,” committing to and carrying out lots of thoughtful ideas across the school.

The core Anti-Bullying Week theme of “Power for Good” was explored in detail during Thursday’s Assembly and across PSHE lessons throughout the week. Mrs Gaul also led a dedicated assembly and form time activities for Lower 4, focusing on critical topics like bystander scenarios and mythbusting surrounding bullying, using resources from the Anti-Bullying Alliance.

In the Prep School, as well as marking “Odd Socks Day” on Thursday, throughout discussions and activities pupils have explored what bullying means and how their actions and words have a powerful impact on others. They have talked about how it feels to be excluded or treated unkindly and how small acts of care and inclusion can help everyone feel valued and safe.

We have strongly encouraged the girls to think about how they can support others – by including someone who might be alone, speaking kindly, or letting a trusted adult know if they see something that doesn’t feel right. The message is clear: everyone has a role to play in making our school a caring and respectful place.

The girls have also learned the importance of reporting bullying. We’ve discussed that if they ever experience or witness unkind behaviour – in person or online – they should always tell a teacher, parent or another trusted adult straight away. Knowing how and when to speak up helps keep everyone safe and supported.

As we move beyond Anti-Bullying Week, we hope the girls will continue to carry these lessons with them – showing kindness, empathy and courage in their everyday actions. Together, we can help them grow into confident, compassionate young people who know how to look out for themselves and others.

Find out more about the campaign: https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk