Thousands of students and staff unite with nation’s schools to take a stand against bullying

By Jill Dando News

The Priory Learning Trust schools in Somerset have been marking Anti-Bullying Week with a range of activities to promote kindness and thinking of others, along with schools across England.

Pupils and students aged from 4 to 18 took a stand against bullying and discussed how by standing united they can make a change.

Students were encouraged to wear odd socks on one day as part of Odd Socks Day which launch the whole campaign.

There were also discussion groups and activities.

Lisa Dadds, Head of Primary Education at TPLT, said: “After a challenging year for everybody, we’ve seen the positive power that society and communities can have when we come together to tackle a common challenge. 

“Our schools were delighted to join Anti-Bullying Week and the theme united against bullying. We promote and encourage kindness every single day.”

Worle Community School Academy, Priory Community School Academy, The King Alfred School Academy, St Anne’s Church Academy, Castle Batch School Academy and Pawlett Primary School Academy all marked the week.

Emma Barker, Principal at Pawlett, said: “The pupils really entered into the fun of the odd socks day, and we were able to get over tremendously positive messages about the habits of being kind to everyone.”

Since 2017, the Anti-Bullying Alliance and Andy Day (CBeebies / CBBC), and his band Andy and the Odd Socks, have held Odd Socks Day, a day for children to come together to celebrate what makes people unique, to be kind and accepting of each other’s differences and most importantly to be themselves. 

The Priory Learning Trust schools also just raised nearly £13000 for their Charity of the Year, In Charley’s Memory, alongside raising multiple thousands for other charities.