You are not alone. It may seem that way, but odds are that if someone is bullying you, then they may be doing the same to others.
	Keep a record of what is happening. Kidscape have an excellent idea called a 'Bullying Log'. Even if you don't use it as part of an agreement with your school to stamp out the problem, it contains all the information that you will need to note down to prove what is happening, right down to a space to sketch the location of the incident(s).
	Talk to a teacher or another adult at the school whom you can trust. Teachers might appear to turn a blind eye to what is happening, but there are also those who care. If it seems that the first teacher you talk to doesn't take you seriously, find someone who does. If necessary, go and see the Head Teacher (which is where having a log of events will help).
	Speaking with the Head Teacher: This is always an option, because bear in mind that if your parents/carers withdraw you from the school, it can cost the school money that they get from the Local Education Authority (LEA). However, you must take evidence of the problem with you. The Head Teacher may have several hundred kids under their care and they won't necessarily know who you are.
	Official meetings with the bullies. If the school suggests that you have a meeting with the bullies so that you can explain to them how the situation makes you feel, REFUSE TO DO THIS and bear in mind that Kidscape advise this course of action also. This idea stems from the 'no blame' culture seen in some circles, and different descriptions are given for the method (Resolution or Reparation meetings). It is claimed that this method has a 100% success rate because the victim never reports that another incident has occurred. Of course not! Now the bully knows how bad you feel, and you think the school has made things worse, so they are the last people you are going to tell. (Duh!)
	Fogging or shielding. This is a technique which my son has used. When you have to walk into a situation e.g. the school dining hall or cafeteria, where you know the bullies will be, imagine a wall of fog or some sort of shield around you. Anything they say will bounce off the shield or get lost in the fog. When the bullies see they can't get a reaction from you, they will move to another victim.
	Investigate ways to build your sense of self-worth. Some people enjoy music, or art. Some are sporty. The latter has the advantage that you will end up fitter and stronger that the average bully. In my son's case, he developed an interest in triathlon. Cycling to school along quite busy roads has improved his confidence in his own abilities. Martial arts is another option, but investigate a few clubs before joining one. Now, it can happen that whatever your interest, if it is a school subject, the bullies try to make this hell for you. This is where speaking with the teacher can help. If you are my son's age, telling a teacher that you love e.g. music, but can't face doing it at GCSE because certain people are always taking the piss ... can really make them sit up and take notice.
	What if the bully tries to take your phone/iPod/money etc from you: OK, this may sound strange, particularly coming from a parent who has paid for or provided said item, but let them take it. Your life and safety are worth much more than the latest gadget. However, they have now committed a reportable crime: theft. So, go straight to either you form/class teacher, or to the Head Teacher and report it as such. Also ensure that your parents/carers report it to the police and obtain a crime number. (This link will take you to the Home Office page about doing that)

^{And a final note to parents:}

	Even when things are really bad with the school, do not de-register your child with the LEA. A friend of mine found out to her cost that by doing so, she lost any monies that she might have been able to claim towards the costs of hiring a tutor for her daughter.
	Go to your child's GP and explain the problem. Have the GP sign a letter to excuse them from attendance at school on the grounds of the stress being detrimental to their health.
	Then find out from the LEA how they intend to resolve the problem so that YOUR child is not disadvantaged. Why should the bullies be the ones who get to take their GCSEs while your child misses out.