Investigation launched into Crieff High School following student's open letter
Perth and Kinross Council will look at the 'culture, processes and policies' of the high school
Last updated 10th Feb 2022
An investigation has been launched by Perth and Kinross Council into the 'culture, policies and processes at Crieff High School.
It follows an open letter by Anna De Garis, a 5th year pupil at the school, alleging multiple instances of abuse at the school, including racism and sexual assault.
In the letter, directed at the school, Perth and Kinross council, local MPs, MSPs and the Scottish Government, the 16-year-old included a survey of fellow pupils showcasing their own experiences.
In the letter, Anna wrote: "During my time at Crieff High School I have personally experienced sexual assault, regular sexual harassment and frequent racist abuse.
"I have witnessed far more aimed at others and it’s clear to me that Racism, Sexism, Sexual Assault and Harassment, Homophobia and Transphobia are all rife, and through the school’s inaction, are also being normalised for many."
Through a survey of her peers, in which 14.48% of pupils at the school responded within 24 hours, over 70% of them said they had witnessed racism, homophobia and sexism at the school.
Through 100 written responses, pupils shared their experiences which include allegations of the frequent use of racial slurs, anti-Semitism and holocaust denial alongside the casual use of homophobic and transphobic slurs which are also directed at LGBTQ+ students.
Perth & Kinross Council’s Head of Education and Learning Sharon Johnston has commissioned the investigation, which will be led by David Macluskey, Service Manager for Secondary Education.
He will lead a team of Council Officers, including from Education and Children’s Service, the Inclusion and Equalities Teams, who will gather information and testimony relating to the culture, policies and processes in place within Crieff High School to ensure they meet the high standards expected of all Perth & Kinross Council schools.
Third sector organisations will also be asked to contribute where appropriate.
The young people and staff will be interviewed as part of the investigation, which aims to identify any areas for improvement in Crieff High School. Learning from this investigation will be used to effect any necessary changes in the school and, where appropriate, across all Perth & Kinross Council schools.
The investigation will run until 25 February and will report back its findings at a later date.
Sheena Devlin, Executive Director of Education and Children’s Services, said: “The welfare of the children and young people in our schools is always our over-riding priority.
“We take the allegations made regarding Crieff High School extremely seriously. Nobody should feel victimised or harassed in any of our schools. I want to assure all children, young people, parents and carers that we do everything we can to tackle bullying of any kind.
“This investigation will make sure the policies and processes we have in place at Crieff High School, and across all of our schools, are as effective as possible in ensuring our pupils learn in a safe and welcoming environment.
“I would urge all children, young people and staff at Crieff High School to engage with the investigation team so we get a full understanding of their experiences - all their voices matter.”
Ms Devlin added: “We would always urge encourage children, young people and their parents or carers to report any incidents of bullying so appropriate action can be taken."