"All schools my children attended had *wonderful* anti-bullying charters, yet my children were bullied in each of those schools..."


I think you'll find that anti-bullying tactics have improved a lot in the last few years. Charters are one thing, but now they should have practical, on the spot support from a dedicated person or persons. Of course, some schools will still not have got it right but I've certainly seen the Pastoral policies at my dughter's school working. The year before she started, the school was put into 'special measures' by OFSTED, which meant that the head teacher and the entire board of governors were dismissed. A new head was recruited from a 'beacon' school and, with a new board of governors (now including mrsleveller) they have certainly turned things around.