October 10, 2025
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is set to publish its report into Medomsley Detention Centre, County Durham, on 13th November 2025.
Abuse in School Compensation Claims
For many children, school is meant to be a place of safety, trust and growth. But for some, that trust was deeply betrayed. Survivors of abuse in private or specialist schools often carry lasting emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical scars.
At Switalskis, we represent survivors from across the country who were abused in boarding schools, residential settings, and specialist education facilities.
Our experienced child abuse solicitors are here to listen, support, and guide you towards justice. We’ve helped hundreds of survivors hold individuals and institutions accountable for failing to protect children in their care.
If you or someone you know experienced abuse at a private or specialist school, contact our team in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458 , or contact us through the website .
To speak to one of our specialist child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence,
call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
Abuse in private and specialist schools can take many forms - sexual abuse, physical violence, emotional manipulation, or neglect. These acts may have been committed by teachers, residential staff, or other authority figures, often within institutions that prioritised reputation over safeguarding.
Switalskis’ nationally recognised abuse law team, led by David Greenwood and Amy Clowrey, has represented survivors from across England and Wales, including prestigious boarding schools and specialist SEN schools.
We provide:
Between 1968 and 1991, pupils at Berrow Wood School in Worcestershire were subjected to widespread physical and sexual abuse by staff members. The abuse has since led to the conviction of nine former teachers and workers. The BBC has reported that the City of Wolverhampton Council is reviewing historic records. Read more from our child abuse compensation litigation team .
A number of allegations of assault and mistreatment have been made against staff at three children's homes operated by Hesley Group across Doncaster. Switalskis solicitors have been instructed by a number of parents seeking more details and accountability. Read more from our child abuse compensation litigation team .
Keith Lockwood was originally convicted in 2002. David Greenwood, Director and Head of Child Abuse Compensation at Switalskis acted for the victim in that case. These cases are intense for the survivors and each person who had the courage to speak to police should be applauded. Read more from our child abuse compensation litigation team .
A school abuse claim seeks to hold those responsible, whether individuals or institutions, accountable for failing to protect children.
Claims may involve:
Private, independent, and specialist schools have a legal duty of care to protect pupils. When that duty is breached, survivors can seek compensation for the harm suffered, even if the abuse happened many years ago.
Types of schools we support survivors from
We have experience with claims involving:
Wherever you are based, our solicitors can represent you, we work nationally and can arrange confidential online or in-person meetings.
For most people, making a claim isn’t just about financial compensation. It’s about being believed, holding perpetrators and institutions accountable, and ensuring lessons are learned so that no other child suffers in the same way.
A successful claim can also help you access counselling and specialist support to aid your recovery.
You’re not alone - many survivors have taken this step and found strength in being heard.
You may be able to claim if:
Even if you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies, our solicitors will listen and provide clear, honest advice about your options.
Taking legal action against an abuser and making a child abuse claim can seem overwhelming, but we're here to simplify it for you. Here's a more detailed look at the process, broken down step by step:
Your journey with us starts with an initial consultation. This is a confidential meeting where we'll discuss the specifics of your case. We'll listen to your story, answer any questions you may have, and outline your legal options. There's no obligation to proceed; this first step is about making sure you're comfortable and informed.
We'll assess the strength of your case. This involves reviewing any evidence you have collected and advising on what additional information you might need. We'll also discuss the likelihood of achieving your desired outcomes, whether that's justice, child abuse compensation, or both.
We'll guide you through the process of collecting all the necessary documents, medical records and witness statements. We may also consult with experts to strengthen your case further.
A successful claim could result in various forms of justice, including financial compensation for historic abuse or legal penalties for the abuser. We'll guide you through what the outcome means and discuss any further steps you may wish to take, such as appeals or additional legal actions.
Our relationship doesn't end when the legal process does. We'll continue to offer support and guidance on any further actions you may want to take, and we can connect you with additional resources for ongoing emotional support.
Cases like these don’t always move forward in a straight line. However, Switalskis will remain steadfast throughout, keep you up to date on our progress, and always push for the outcome you want to achieve.
To speak to one of our specialist child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
People experience abuse in lots of different ways, and everyone heals differently. If you’re concerned about a friend or loved one, or want support in your own healing journey, it can help to understand how childhood abuse might affect you in the present.
If you’ve been harmed by child sexual abuse it can take a long time to terms with what happened and feel ready to talk to someone about it. It’s hard, but there are support services available and we recommend you contact them as one of your first steps.
The Data Protection Act 2018 has given all UK care leavers the right to request a copy of any personal data that an organisation holds about them, including councils/local authorities.
At Switalskis, our team regularly provides support to people making subject access requests for social services records.
At Switalskis, we want to break down those barriers and tackle misconceptions about PTSD symptoms and causes, to make sure everyone can get the help they need. This is important for us because of our work supporting survivors of child abuse. Many people develop PTSD in response to physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is set to publish its report into Medomsley Detention Centre, County Durham, on 13th November 2025.
10 October 2025 marks World Mental Health Day which is a chance to reflect on the importance of mental wellbeing especially for those whose lives have been affected by abuse. Individuals who have experienced abuse, whether domestic, sexual or psychological, can experience a significant impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
A client of David Greenwood, head of our Child Abuse team, is encouraging police leaders to improve their treatment of child sexual abuse survivors. We support her proposals.
A man who groomed and abused a vulnerable teenager in care has had his prison sentence increased from 18 to 23 years by the Court of Appeal. The survivor, who was just 15 when she was coerced into a so-called marriage with Raja Zulqurnean, lived in a Bradford children’s home at the time.
Switalskis has one of the UK’s leading abuse law teams. We’ve represented survivors in landmark group actions and helped change national law on time limits and institutional liability.
We’ve acted in cases involving:
Our work has not only secured justice for survivors but has also driven change in how schools and local authorities handle safeguarding.
Absolutely: your privacy is our utmost priority. All discussions, documents and information shared with us are held in strict confidence. We adhere to all legal requirements concerning client confidentiality to make sure your information is secure at all times.
While many cases are settled before reaching court, some do require a trial to reach a resolution - fewer than 1% of our cases go to a hearing so it’s very unlikely you’ll have to give evidence at court. If your case does go to court, we'll be right beside you, offering our full support. We'll prepare you for what to expect and guide you through each stage of the court process, and make sure you're never alone.
We're transparent about our fees from the very beginning. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss the likely costs involved in pursuing your claim. We aim for complete financial transparency, so you're never caught off guard by unexpected expenses.
Some child abuse claims are eligible for free Legal Aid funding. This covers the costs of making a claim and allows you to pursue compensation without financial risk. If you're eligible, we're experienced in applying for Legal Aid funding on behalf of clients and can help you with this. If Legal Aid funding isn't available, we may be able to work on a no win, no fee basis. We’ll discuss funding with you once we have explored the details of your case.
You can make a claim on behalf of someone else, particularly if the person involved is a minor, or is unable to participate in the legal process for emotional or reasons. However, specific conditions must be met for this to happen, and we can discuss these in detail during our initial consultation.
To speak to one of our specialist child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458 , or contact us through the website .
To speak to one of our specialist child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
When you're dealing with the emotional and legal complexities of a child abuse claim, you need more than just legal advice. You need a team that embodies values you can trust and rely on. Here's why Switalskis stands out as your best choice:
Child abuse claims often involve intricate legal procedures and terminology that can be overwhelming. At Switalskis, we excel at bringing clarity to these complexities. We break down each step of your legal journey into simple, understandable terms, making sure you're never left confused or anxious. Our goal is to make the legal process as transparent and straightforward as possible, allowing you to focus on your healing.
We understand that a child abuse claim is not just a legal matter but an emotional one as well. From your initial consultation to the resolution of your case, you'll find a team deeply committed to your emotional and wellbeing. We offer a compassionate, listening ear and a supportive environment where you can feel safe and understood. Our empathetic approach makes sure that you're not just heard but also cared for, every step of the way.
When it comes to child abuse claims, you need a team with proven expertise. Our legal professionals are highly skilled in this specific area, bringing years of experience and a track record of successful outcomes. But our expertise isn't limited to legal knowledge; we're also skilled at handling sensitive and emotionally charged issues with the utmost care and confidentiality.
Your rights and wellbeing are at the core of what we do. Whether you're seeking justice, compensation, or both, we're here to advocate for you tirelessly. We're not just your solicitors; we're your supporters in this challenging journey towards justice and healing. Our commitment is always to you, making sure your voice is heard, your rights are upheld, and your best interests are at the forefront of every decision.
A private or specialist school abuse claim is a legal action made by someone who suffered abuse while attending an independent, boarding, or specialist school. The claim seeks to hold the individual abuser, and often the school or institution, responsible for failing to protect the child. Compensation may be awarded for physical and harm, and for the lasting impact the abuse has had on your life.
Yes. Many people don’t feel ready to come forward until years, or even decades, later. The courts understand this, and it’s often still possible to make a historical abuse claim. Our team has successfully represented survivors in non-recent abuse cases, even when the abuse happened 20, 30 or 40 years ago.
We represent survivors from all types of independent and specialist education settings, including:
Wherever you attended, from London and the South East to the North of England, we can help.
Abuse in schools can take many forms. You may be able to claim compensation for:
Even if you’re unsure whether what happened to you counts as abuse, our solicitors can talk it through with you in confidence.
Yes. Even if the abuser has passed away or the school no longer exists, we may still be able to trace the responsible organisation or its insurers. We’ll investigate all possible routes to secure justice and compensation.
The amount of compensation varies depending on your experience and how the abuse has affected your life. It can cover:
We’ll make sure your claim reflects the full extent of what you’ve endured.
The first step is to speak with a specialist solicitor in confidence. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and discuss funding — which may include Legal Aid or no win, no fee. You can call 0800 1380 458 or contact us online to arrange a confidential conversation.
Switalskis is one of the UK’s most respected abuse law firms, with national experience representing survivors from prestigious boarding schools and specialist education settings. We offer expert legal advice, emotional support, and a trauma-informed approach that puts your wellbeing first.
We're committed to providing expert, caring legal advice for child abuse claims, including the most serious historical abuse compensation and child sexual abuse cases. If you experienced abuse while attending a private, boarding or specialist school, you don’t have to face it alone.
Feel free to get in touch with us by calling 0800 138 0458 or by contacting us through the website.