School takes bullying 'seriously'

It costs between £5,000 and £7,000 per term for each pupil

A top public school at the centre of a police investigation into claims of bullying has said it takes the allegations "very seriously".

Police are looking into a number of allegations of pupils bullying each other at Wellington College, Berkshire.

A Thames Valley Police spokeswoman was unable to give details but confirmed that one complaint related to an incident up to two years ago.

Police also confirmed the bullying allegations did not involve staff.

The school's statement said: "As in any school, whether an independent boarding school or maintained sector day school, there will from time to time be allegations of bullying between pupils.

"Wellington College takes any such allegation very seriously and where appropriate works closely with the Berkshire Social Services department to resolve the matter."

The school, which opened in 1859, teaches about 800 pupils between the ages of 13 and 18.

Sitting in 400 acres of woodland in Crowthorne, Wellington is predominantly a boys' school but has about 50 girls in the sixth form.

Boarding pupils at the school pay £7,300 per term while others pay £5,840.