A family has accused Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy in Llanrwst and Conwy County Borough Council of failing to address persistent racist bullying directed at their son, who reports experiencing racial abuse on a daily basis at the school. According to BBC News, the school and council maintain that the institution is a safe environment for all pupils and that appropriate measures have been implemented to support the boy's continued education.
The son, whom the BBC is not identifying, describes an environment where racist slurs are directed at him constantly, with teachers present but unwilling to intervene.
Teachers have heard it. I know they have because there's no chance you don't hear it. But they choose to ignore it. They don't deal with it, they act like it's OK,he stated. The family has documented racist online messages sent to the boy by other pupils but has not shared them with the school, fearing this disclosure would make him a greater target for harassment.
North Wales Police have responded to reports of racist online messages and an alleged racial assault involving the boy. The psychological toll on the student is evident, as he described severe restrictions on his freedom of movement.
I can't go out because if someone sees me, I'll be attacked. I've got to be careful where I go, so I just stay indoors,he said.
What has the school done in response?
Following a formal complaint from the father, the school governors' complaints panel examined each allegation and rejected them while identifying areas to be strengthened. The governors stated they adhered to their complaints policy thoroughly and accurately. The school subsequently informed the family that it cannot control pupil behaviour in every location and that investigations into allegations must remain fair and balanced.
The school offered several remedial measures, including increased monitoring of the boy's safety, modifications to his academic timetable, provision of a designated safe space, and revised staff intervention procedures. Additionally, the school's anti-bullying policy underwent revision, accompanied by expanded staff training and a newly developed anti-racism action plan designed to shift school culture. However, these measures have failed to restore the family's confidence in the institution.
How has the council responded?
Conwy County Borough Council has denied ignoring the family's concerns and stated it was sorry the family remained unsatisfied with how their concerns were handled.
Conwy County Borough Council does not tolerate any racist behaviour,the council said in a statement. The council acknowledged the situation has been difficult for the boy and claimed to have worked to provide support.
The council has now agreed to make alternative arrangements for the boy's education but maintains that the school remains suitable for him. The family contends that the council only agreed to meet after journalists approached them about the allegations, suggesting the engagement was reactive rather than proactive. According to Conwy County Borough Council's bullying guidance, there is a four-step escalation route for addressing bullying concerns: involvement of the class or form teacher or head of year, escalation to the headteacher, referral to the governing body, and finally involvement of the local authority.
The father expressed profound frustration with the council's approach, characterising their response as inadequate and evasive.
There's only one victim. If he goes, the school can pretend there's no problem. They can sweep it under the carpet. I understand schools are under pressure and classrooms are busy, but you cannot let racist language become normal. It's shocked me to the core,he said. He further criticised the council's handling of the matter, stating:
They've done their best to isolate, shut down any conversation and just brick-wall everything and everyone. We've felt completely alone battling them to hear what a vulnerable child is going through and they've had deaf ears to it all. What's going to take time to get over is the council's inaction and unwillingness to even have conversations, more than the actual harm the kids have done.
What do experts say about racism in schools?
The family received support from the Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales (EYST), which emphasises that racism is a widespread issue in educational settings.
Sadly, schools don't record a lot of incidents and children don't report it either, so there's things to tackle,said Selima Bahadur from EYST.
We've seen a rise in racism online, social media. It's common and these are the trends we're seeing in schools, children saying these things openly to each other.
The prevalence of online racism as a driver of pupil behaviour reflects broader patterns identified in educational research. According to Estyn's education provider records, Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy underwent an interim visit in 2026, though detailed findings from that inspection are not yet publicly available. This case also reflects concerns raised elsewhere in the UK education system; parents in Scottish schools have similarly argued that current bullying policies protect bullies over victims, calling for national legislation to ensure consistent and effective responses.
What is the school's position?
Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy issued a statement asserting its commitment to safeguarding.
Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy does not tolerate any racism, bullying or discriminatory behaviour. Whenever concerns are raised they're considered seriously and dealt with in line with school policies, statutory duties and safeguarding responsibilities. The school works closely with pupils, families and local authority to ensure support is available and that concerns are considered thoroughly and with care. We are confident Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy is a safe and supportive learning environment for every pupil.The school added that it remains committed to equality, inclusivity and respect, and will continue working to address concerns and support every pupil's wellbeing.
Key Facts
- The boy reports experiencing racist abuse daily at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy in Llanrwst, with teachers allegedly present but unwilling to intervene.
- The school governors' complaints panel rejected each allegation raised by the family while identifying areas for improvement in anti-bullying and anti-racism policies.
- North Wales Police have investigated reports of racist online messages and an alleged racial assault against the boy.
- The council has agreed to make alternative educational arrangements for the boy but maintains the school is suitable for him, a position the family disputes.
- Experts from EYST highlight that racism and online abuse in schools are underreported and increasingly common, with schools often failing to record incidents adequately.
