Papplewick Group Litigation Order

Information for former pupils, families, and media

Information for former pupils and families

This page is for people who attended Papplewick School, and for their families and carers. It explains some of the options that may be available if you have concerns about abuse or safeguarding failures, and how you can stay informed about the group litigation.

If you or a child is in immediate danger

If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the emergency services straight away by calling 999.

This website cannot respond to emergencies and is not monitored in real time.

Thinking about what happened at Papplewick

Many former pupils only start to make sense of their experiences years or decades after leaving school. Some people are unsure whether what happened to them "counts" as abuse. Others feel clear about what happened but are not ready to talk about it, or are worried about the impact on their family, career, or current relationships.

All of those reactions are understandable. You are entitled to take things at your own pace, to ask questions, and to decide for yourself whether to speak to the police, to lawyers, or to support services.

Reporting concerns about abuse or safeguarding

The group litigation is a civil process. It does not replace criminal investigations or the safeguarding duties of public bodies. If you want to report information that may be relevant to criminal offences or to the safety of children now, the following organisations may be able to help:

Thames Valley Police

For non emergency contact with the police in the area that covers Papplewick. You can provide information about criminal offences or concerns about ongoing risk.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

The Local Authority Designated Officer oversees how allegations against adults who work with children are managed. For Papplewick this is the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead LADO service.

Papplewick School Designated Safeguarding Lead

Papplewick has a Designated Safeguarding Lead who is responsible for overseeing safeguarding concerns within the school. If you feel able to contact the school directly about safeguarding issues involving current pupils or staff, you can use the dedicated safeguarding email address.

Contacting the school about safeguarding concerns is separate from taking part in any civil claim and may lead to the school contacting other agencies where they believe a child may be at risk.

Crimestoppers (anonymous reporting)

Crimestoppers is an independent charity that allows you to give information about crime anonymously.

NSPCC child protection helpline

The NSPCC can offer advice if you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child now, whether or not that child attends Papplewick.

Emotional and practical support

Abuse can have long term effects on mental and physical health, relationships, work, and day to day life. Many people find it helpful to speak to someone who understands these impacts and can offer support without judgement.

NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood)

NAPAC offers support to adults who experienced any type of abuse in childhood.

The Survivors Trust

The Survivors Trust is a national umbrella organisation for specialist rape and sexual abuse services, and runs a free, confidential helpline for survivors.

Victim Support

Victim Support offers free and confidential support to people affected by crime, regardless of when the crime took place or whether it has been reported.

Mind

Mind provides information and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and can help you find services in your area.

  • Website: mind.org.uk
  • Infoline: 0300 123 3393
  • Support line: 0300 102 1234

Samaritans

Samaritans provide 24 hour emotional support for anyone who is struggling to cope or feeling suicidal.

Other sources of help

  • Your GP, who can discuss options for counselling, talking therapies, and other support through the NHS or local services.
  • Trusted friends or family, if you feel safe and comfortable talking to them about what happened.

The group litigation and your choices

The civil claims against Papplewick are being brought through a proposed Group Litigation Order. Joining that litigation is a separate decision from reporting information to the police or speaking to support services.

Registering your interest through this website does not:

  • Start a claim on your behalf.
  • Commit you to joining the group litigation.
  • Require you to share your experiences in detail.

It simply lets the legal team know that you may have an interest in the case, and allows them to send you information about next steps if you want to receive it.

To register your interest, please use the contact form on the home page and select the option that best describes your connection to Papplewick.

Confidentiality and records

Information that you share with the legal team will usually be treated as confidential and legally privileged. Different organisations listed on this page have different duties and powers, particularly where there is a current risk to children. If you contact them, they should explain how they handle information and in what circumstances they may need to share it.

This website does not store detailed accounts of what happened to you and is not a reporting route for new safeguarding concerns. It is a way to stay informed about the group litigation and to connect with the lawyers who are leading it.

This information is provided in good faith but cannot cover every situation. It is not legal or medical advice. If you are unsure what to do, you may wish to speak to the solicitors acting in this litigation, another independent lawyer, your GP, or an appropriate support service.