School Bullying Formal Complaint Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to make a formal complaint about bullying not being addressed by school, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong school bullying formal complaint should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Set out the incidents chronologically with dates
• Reference the school's anti-bullying policy
• State the impact on the child
• Request a formal meeting within 10 school days and written confirmation of action to be taken
• Note intention to escalate to governors if no adequate response

Why a formal written complaint matters when informal reporting hasn't worked

Schools have a legal duty to have an anti-bullying policy and to take reasonable steps to address bullying — if informal reports haven't led to meaningful action, a formal written complaint creates a clear record and triggers the school's obligation to investigate and respond properly.

What to include before you send it

• Specific incidents, with dates, and any previous informal reports made
• The impact on your child, including any effect on attendance, wellbeing, or attainment
• Reference to the school's own anti-bullying policy and what action you'd expect under it
• A clear request for a formal investigation and response

Following the school's formal complaints procedure

Most schools have a specific complaints procedure separate from general communication with teachers — following this formal route (rather than relying only on informal conversations) ensures your complaint is properly logged and gives you a clear escalation route if the initial response is inadequate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the school says they can't find evidence of the bullying?
Ask specifically what steps were taken to investigate, and provide any evidence you have — messages, witness accounts from other pupils or parents, or a diary of incidents.

What can I do if I'm not satisfied with the school's response?
You can take it to the school's governing body under its complaints procedure, and if you believe your complaint was not dealt with correctly, you can complain to the Department for Education.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Name of Headteacher]
[Name of School]
[School Address]
[School Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name of Headteacher],

Subject: Formal complaint about bullying – [Child's Name], [Year Group / Class]

I am making a formal complaint about the bullying my [son / daughter / child], [Child's Name], is experiencing.

I raised this informally with [Name of staff member] on [Date], but it has carried on.

What has happened:
• [Date] – [e.g. my child was insulted and threatened in the playground by a group of pupils.]
• [Date] – [e.g. hurtful messages about my child were shared in a group chat.]
• [Date] – [e.g. my child was pushed and their uniform was damaged.]

The impact on my child: [e.g. they are anxious, sleeping badly and have missed [number] days of school].

The school must have an anti-bullying policy, and I ask that it is followed. Please:
• meet me within 10 school days; and
• confirm in writing what the school will do to investigate and keep my child safe.

If I do not receive an adequate response, I will take my complaint to the governing body.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]