Bury schools wear odd socks to stamp out bullying

Schools across Bury are joining forces this November to support Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from Monday 10 to Friday 14 November, under the national theme ‘Power for Good’.

To mark the start of the week, pupils and staff at Philips High School in Whitefield were joined by Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, and Bury Council’s chief executive Lynne Ridsdale, who both wear odd socks in solidarity.

Odd Socks Day celebrates what makes us all unique and launches a week of classroom discussions, assemblies and creative activities across Bury schools.

The campaign, run nationally by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, encourages children and adults to use their power for good to stand up for others, promote kindness, and challenge bullying both in person and online.

Bury Council and local headteachers are taking the message further through a newly formed anti-bullying sub-group, created in response to findings from the borough’s recent student voice survey. The survey gathered the views of around 2,600 students about school experiences, including barriers to attendance.

The sub-group brings together schools, emotional wellbeing leads and families to shape local action and ensure the voices of young people who have experienced bullying directly influence policy and support.

Councillor Lucy Smith said: “Every child deserves to feel safe and supported at school. Anti-Bullying Week gives us an opportunity to recognise and applaud individuality and kindness, and it was a pleasure to visit Phillips High School and hear about the great work our schools are doing individually and collectively to tackle the issue of bullying.

“I am also very proud of our new subgroup, which will help to ensure that we are listening to our young people and working together on lasting solutions.”

Chief executive Lynne Ridsdale said: “At Bury Council, our LET’S values guide everything we do - promoting fairness, respect, and community spirit. Anti-Bullying Week reminds us of the importance of standing together to create safe, inclusive spaces where every child feels valued and empowered. We are committed to working alongside our schools, families, and partners to foster kindness and resilience, reflecting our shared vision for a stronger, more compassionate Bury.”

Chris Hibbert, head teacher of Philips High, added: “Anti-Bullying Week is an important moment in our school calendar. Wearing odd socks is a fun reminder that being different is something to celebrate and it sparks powerful conversations about respect and inclusion.

"Every child deserves to learn and grow without fear of intimidation, and we are serious about supporting our young people in speaking out about bullying and working to build a school community where everyone feels able to thrive”.

Schools across Bury are invited to take part in activities and download free resources from the Anti-Bullying Alliance to help pupils explore what using their Power for Good means in everyday life.

To find out more about Bury’s Anti Bullying Sub Group, or if you wish to take part as a stakeholder, please contact Janet Lloyd at schoolattendanceteam@bury.gov.uk

For more information about the national campaign, see anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk.

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 November 2025.

Picture: Pupils and staff at Philips High School wearing odd socks to mark Anti-Bullying Week, with council chief executive Lynne Ridsdale and Cllr Lucy Smith.