A young woman is suing the high school she attended for allegedly failing to deal with the incessant bullying that caused her disappointing end-of-year exam results.
A report of the Sydney Morning Herald said Aimee Clifton has filed a declaration with the New South Wales Supreme Court over a claim against Blue Mountains Grammar School (BMGS) in Wentworth Falls, near Katoomba, New South Wales, for almost $600,000.
In the claim, Clifton argues that staff failed to protect her from the relentless harassment she faced while attending the school between 2017 and 2022.
She claims that despite being a “high distinction student” across the school, bullying led to her achieving an ATAR of 75.85.
Ms. Clifton seeks damages including loss of income due to decreased future employment opportunities due to lower Higher School Certificate score.
Aimee Clifton (pictured) is suing her former high school for just under $600,000 for allegedly rampant bullying that lowered her ATAR score.
Clifton claims her parents filed a complaint about the alleged harassment in 2020, but BMGS only conducted a brief investigation and took no action.
She went on to claim that the harassment continued, including having her windshield wipers ripped off, being called a “psycho bitch,” and being assaulted at the school sports carnival.
The alleged harassment caused mental breakdowns that led to her being hospitalized twice and withdrawing from classes vital for HSC preparation.
‘It ruined my life for months and caused me a lot of stress. I hope no other girl has to go through that,” she told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Even though teachers allegedly knew about the bullying, she claims she received “minimal to no academic support” after leaving classes.
Ms Clifton performed “very poorly” in the HSC despite expectations of a 90+ score.
Better ATAR results help students access more competitive university courses, something Ms Cliften said was prevented due to bullying.
A year after completing her HSC, Ms Clifton graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Musical Theater from Brent Street, a performing arts studio in Sydney.
Ms Cliften claims her parents reported the alleged bullying to Blue Mountains High School (pictured), near Katoomba, but they took no action.
The BMGS bullying policy states that the school will “promptly consider all reports of suspected bullying, including stalking” and “attempt to bring matters to a point of resolution”.
‘The School seeks to provide a safe, positive and supportive environment for all; one in which mistreatment is reported and responses are quick and effective to modify behavior and restore relationships,’ the policy reads.
The school’s headteacher since May 2022, Steven Coote, told the publication he could not comment on the claim.
“It is essential to prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved, so we are committed to working with appropriate professionalism and sensitivity,” he said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted BMGS for comment.
