Victoria Haddock

Gabriel McConkey, now 19, alleges that he was forced by older pupils to run naked around the resort where they were staying during the trip to Portugal in December 2022 while they filmed him.

He also says he was forced to have his head shaved in a degrading manner and was forced to witness other boys as they were coerced into performing an act on a sex toy while wearing women’s underwear.

Victoria Haddock, the solicitor acting for Mr McConkey, said his case was settled at the High Court yesterday following an admission of liability by the school on grounds of negligence and their failure to supervise.

He accused the school of aggravating the situation by the manner in which it handled his complaint, which included a member of staff allegedly threatening to shave the heads of the perpetrators.

Commenting on the outcome in his case, Mr McConkey said: “No child should ever have to go through what I went through. This case was always about ensuring this doesn’t happen again. Grammar school rugby culture has to be exposed and must change.”

Ms Haddock said: “This settlement brings vindication for our young client who should never have had to take legal action following a school rugby trip.

“Parents and students alike should be able to count on schools protecting pupils from extreme and humiliating practices.

“Our client looks forward to putting this horrendous episode behind him and focusing on his education in the years ahead.”