An Edinburgh mum has told of how she has been left 'terrified' to send her child to a top school ranked among the best in the country over claims her daughter was victimised in a 'bullying' campaign.
St Josephs RC Primary School rated 3rd out of over 1000 similar establishments across the country in a Times league table earlier this week but some were 'surprised' at the ranking due to several alleged incidents involving children as young as seven.
Edinburgh Live understands one parent removed their child from classes over 'failure' from officials to deal with violent and aggressive behaviour.
The alleged incidents have been going on throughout the junior year groups at the Catholic school on Saughton Road, with Police Scotland informed of a slew of allegations.
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The rankings are based on the biggest improvements in reading, writing, numeracy and listening and talking rate among pupils over the past two years as well as taking into account the number of pupils from a deprived background.
The City of Edinburgh Council confirmed the ongoing issues at the primary school and said staff are 'working closely' with the families to support the children involved.
One parent said: "My daughter was pinned against the wall three times and spat on. She has been physically and mentally abused.
"One individual punched her in the stomach and slapped her in the face, spat on her and stole her food.
"They told my daughter her daddy was going to die and we didn’t love her.
"I refuse to move her. It should be the bully not my daughter. I have been to education board and my child has been safe guarded.
"Some of the parents have attacked my daughter as I have spoken out before and my husband had to tell one parent to leave my daughter alone. The school intimidates me also and think they can tell me what to do. I’m sick of it."
Police Scotland confirmed they have spoken to the parent involved to give advice on more than one occasion.
A City of Edinburgh Council spokesperson said: “ The school are working closely with the families to support the young people involved.
"The school will continue to do all it can to promote positive behaviour and ensure all the pupils are supported in their relationships and have respect for themselves and others.”
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