18 cases of alleged bullying reported at school where parents pulled son out after attacks

Incidents are said to ‘vary in extremity’

Some 18 cases of alleged bullying have been reported at a school where the parents of one teenager have pulled him out for good.

The Manchester Evening News reported last week claims Alex McGarrie had been bullied ‘since day one’ at Hazel Grove High in Stockport, with his parents David and Sally believing he was targeted because of his autism.

They described the full extent of the alleged assaults on the 14-year-old, one of which was filmed on a mobile phone showing a boy sitting on Alex to pin him down while hitting his head.

The incident happened in December, but Alex – a keen darts player and Manchester City fan – hadn’t even told his parents it had taken place. It was only when it was shared on social media in February that he opened up about the attack.

Now the Cheadle MP Tom Morrison, whose constituency includes the school, has revealed more that a string of alleged bullying cases have been reported to him and Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart.

Some 19 individuals have filed complaints with the politicians. Two relate to the same child. They relate to incidents that have taken place since 2023 and are said to ‘vary in extremity’, but all are in relation to alleged bullying.

Mr Morrison said: “Bullying is completely unacceptable, and every child deserves to feel safe and supported at school. I’ve been impressed with the way both the school and the trust have taken this issue seriously and acted to address concerns.

“While it’s clear there was a problem, they have shown a real commitment to tackling it and ensuring student welfare remains a top priority. I will continue working closely with parents to support them and am pushing the council to fulfil its role as the responsible authority for safeguarding. Protecting children must always be our highest priority, and I’ll keep working to make sure that happens.”

In relation to Alex’s case, Hazel Grove High School, run by the Laurus Trust, said its records ‘do not mirror all the information that this family has shared’.

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Responding to the 18 cases registered with the MPs, a spokesperson for the school said: “Over recent weeks we have been working closely with both our local MPs and some of our families about issues that have been raised.

“While we have been heartened to hear of so many families sharing positive stories about their time at our school, we are also sorry to hear of any family who feels that their experiences at our school do not match the expectations and aspirations that we have for each child’s education.

“We will always listen and look to enhance everything that we do, and will continue to work with all of our community to give them the assurance and reassurance that our school is a place of nurture and excellence. We have been pleased that some of the external validation we have had, particularly over recent weeks, has recognised these efforts.”

Since Alex’s story was reported, his dad has been inundated with messages from readers who were saddened to hear about the youngster’s experience.

He was delighted to receive a message from darts champion Luke Humphries promising to arrange a special VIP trip for Alex to meet Premier League Darts stars backstage when the event comes to Manchester’s AO Arena in April. Manchester City FC has also reached out to the youngster to arrange a visit to the club.

Last week the family had a meeting with Stockport Council’s education department to discuss Alex’s needs and the move to a new school after the youngster decided he does not wish to return there.

The Manchester Evening News has approached Stockport council for comment.