'Everyone feels safe' at this Leeds high school after prestigious anti-bullying award
A high school in Leeds has been recognised for its commitment to tackling bullying.
Brigshaw High School, located on Brigshaw Lane, Allerton Bywater, has been awarded the prestigious Silver Anti-Bullying Quality Mark (ABQM-UK) in recognition of the school’s outstanding efforts to prevent and respond to bullying, promote inclusion, and ensure every student feels safe and supported.
Ordinarily, schools are required to achieve the Bronze Award before applying for Silver. However, during Brigshaw’s first assessment, the external assessor concluded that there was such a wealth of evidence and impact that the school could be awarded Silver immediately.
The award follows a rigorous assessment by an external evaluator, who praised the strong strategic approach established at Brigshaw High School. The report highlighted how the school’s systems - including daily senior leadership meetings, coordinated safeguarding and pastoral support, and detailed monitoring of trends - ensure that responses to any emerging issues are swift, consistent, and effective.
Headteacher Duncan Roberts said: “We’re incredibly proud of this recognition. Our students and staff have worked tirelessly to make Brigshaw a place where everyone feels safe, valued and heard.
“The Silver Award is a reflection of our community’s shared commitment to kindness, respect, and belonging - and we’re already working towards Gold.”
The evaluation noted that Brigshaw’s “whole-school response” draws together leadership, staff, governors, and students, underpinned by the school’s “Not In Our School” (NIOS) policy, co-designed with students at the school. This initiative empowers students and staff alike to challenge bullying behaviour, celebrate positive relationships, and promote kindness, respect, and belonging.
The report also praised the school’s commitment to listening to and involving students, highlighting the work of the NIOS Ambassadors, who were trained by the Samaritans earlier this year. The Ambassadors run breaktime drop-ins and offer peer support to students who may be struggling with friendship issues or social pressures.
Their involvement in decision-making, including designing anti-bullying posters, positioning worry boxes, and supporting attendance, was recognised as an example of excellent student leadership. Parents and carers interviewed during the assessment spoke positively about the school’s swift and compassionate responses to concerns. One parent described receiving a call from staff at 7.30pm about an incident - a reflection of Brigshaw’s commitment to ensuring families feel supported and reassured.
“The school is really good with dealing with bullying, the staff make sure everyone feels safe and when students report things you can guarantee it gets sorted,” Anastasia, a student in Year 8 said.
“I always look forward to going to school because I know it’s a safe space for everyone.”
The evaluator remarked that Brigshaw’s governors are highly engaged in safeguarding and anti-bullying work, receiving regular training and reports that help them to challenge and support leaders effectively.
Next steps include strengthening engagement with the wider community - including further “Community Leaders Breakfast” to involve local partners and parents in discussions about behaviour and safety - which the report noted would meet Gold standards.
As Brigshaw prepares to celebrate Anti-Bullying Week this November, the NIOS Ambassadors will take the lead in promoting activities, training new members, and continuing their mission to make “Not In Our School” a lived reality for every student.