Latest news straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A pupil at a troubled Birmingham school said she had to leave lessons early every day for fear of being 'banged out' by bullies.

The 13-year-old, who we have chosen not to identify, claimed bullies at Starbank School in Yardley were 'making her life hell.

Speaking with parental permission, she said she was so scared of being beaten up on the way home that she was attending part-time just to avoid confrontation.

She broke down in tears as she told BirminghamLive: “I’m scared of coming into school because I’m sure stuff is going to happen.

"I have to run home every day because I know I might get banged out (beaten up).

“There’s lots of school rivalry and talk of knives being brought in.

“Every day it gets worse and worse.

“They tell me to go to hell."

The above video shows pupils fighting in the corridors and on the school fields.

Teachers and parents at the school have talked about a regular 'Thursday fights', although some say fighting happens more than once a week.

Some members of staff went on strike at the school on June 27, claiming they were worried about a lack of safeguarding for teachers and pupils

The girl added: “My friend gets bullied a lot, in fact every day she comes in she gets bullied.

“A girl pushed her over and then they all joked about it.”

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

Her mum said she had requested a meeting with the governors and had been offered mediation but it was not helping resolve the issue.

"My daughter comes home nearly every day in tears," she said.

"I have her home early because I don't feel she'll be safe walking home.

"She used to love school but not any more.

"She's on a part-time timetable because she doesn't feel safe at lunchtime and after school. I've been told she needs to be back in full time education which I totally agree, I want the best for my daughter."

Why teachers called strike action at Starbank School Starbank School hit the headlines when teachers announced they were going on strike due to concerns over safeguarding. Sixteen NASUWT union members protested outside the gates on Thursday June 27 where they were joined by angry parents who said they felt scared to send their children into teh school, on Hob Moor Road. It has since been brought to light that police are investigating two boys who took a knife into the Yardley secondary school, which is rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. Shocking video footage has emerged of a children fighting in corridors and on the school field, in what is known as the 'Thursday fight' although parents and teachers suggest there are fights on most days. The headteacher declined to comment but sent a letter to parents saying that 'pupil behaviour is well-managed' and the school environment 'continues to be safe for both pupils and staff'.

During the strike on June 27, parents said they were scared for their children's safety and called for metal detectors to be installed at the gates to prevent pupils bringing in knives.

Police are investigating after two boys were found with a knife at Starbank just after 8.30am on Monday, June 3.

Coun Jayne Francis, cabinet member for education, skills and culture at Birmingham City Council said: “We are deeply disappointed by the recent reports of violence at Starbank School as this does not reflect the experience of our students and staff.

“While there have been isolated incidents in school, these have been extremely rare and have been dealt with appropriately, in-line with city-wide safeguarding policies and the school’s records reflect this.

“Pupil behaviour at Starbank School is well-managed and the school environment continues to be safe for both pupils and staff. If parents have any concerns, parent workshops are being held to facilitate discussion or they would be actively encouraged to speak to the headteacher directly.”

Executive headteacher Satnam Dosanjh sent a letter to parents on June 27 saying: "We would like to reassure you that pupil behaviour is well-managed and the school environment continues to be safe for both pupils and staff.

"While there have been isolated cases of knife possession in school, such incidents are extremely rare and are dealt with in-line with city-wide safeguarding policies."