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An independent inquiry has been launched after allegations of a culture of bullying at New Plymouth Boys' High School.
After a meeting last night, the school's board of trustees requested the New Zealand School Trustees Association to appoint an independent team to inquire into the allegations, the Taranaki Daily News reported.
A former teacher, parents and students have claimed a culture of bullying at the school after an alleged assault last week left a year 12 student with two black eyes and a cut to his head.
A former teacher said during his time at the school a senior student had reported to him that he had been raped with a bottle while boarding.
"He said that his time in the hostels had ruined his life," the teacher said.
But his complaint was not taken seriously by staff and was not investigated.
Day students had also reported being bullied and beaten up but little or no action was taken.
The school's board of trustees chairman Jamie Sutherland said the board and the school would co-operate fully with the inquiry.
- NZPA
