About the Group Litigation Order

What is a Group Litigation Order?

In England and Wales, a Group Litigation Order (often called a "GLO") is a case management order made by the High Court for claims which give rise to common or related issues of fact or law. Where many people have claims that are connected, the court can use a GLO to manage those claims together in a more consistent and efficient way.

Each person keeps their own individual claim, but certain questions that are common to the group can be decided once for everyone on the GLO register. The court remains in control of how the group litigation is run, including which issues are treated as "GLO issues" and how test cases are selected.

What is this proposed GLO about?

Former pupils of Papplewick School have instructed specialist lawyers to pursue civil claims in relation to historic sexual abuse and the School's handling of concerns. Because a significant number of individuals are affected by events with shared features, the Old Papplewickian GLO Action Group and the solicitors instructed by former pupils are working towards the court managing these claims together under a Group Litigation Order.

The proposed GLO is focused on alleged failures in safeguarding and the response to concerns raised at the time. It does not form part of the criminal process and is separate from any investigations or prosecutions brought by the police or the Crown Prosecution Service.

This website is intended to provide clear, factual information about that civil process and to act as a point of contact for former pupils and families, and other interested parties, who wish to be kept informed.

Who is involved in the litigation?

The group action is being led by a King's Counsel and solicitors with experience of institutional abuse and group litigation. Formal instructions are handled directly between individual clients and the solicitors and counsel. Papplewick School and any other defendants will have their own legal representation.

This site is maintained by former pupils to assist with communication and does not speak on behalf of the court, the School, or any law firm. Nothing on this site represents an official statement by the court or by any defendant.

Joining the claim and costs

Registering interest via this site lets the Old Papplewickian GLO Action Group and its solicitors contact you about the proposed claim. If you decide to pursue a claim, you will enter into a retainer directly with the specialist law firm instructed by former pupils. That firm, not the Action Group, will advise you and act for you as a client.

Joining the group litigation is optional. You can seek advice about bringing an individual claim instead. The specialist firm can explain the differences so you can decide what approach is right for you.

You do not incur costs by registering interest. If you choose to instruct the specialist firm, they will explain funding options (for example, conditional fee agreements or insurance) and any costs risks before you decide whether to proceed.

The Old Papplewickian GLO Action Group intends to secure after-the-event insurance to protect claimants against adverse costs. If that is in place, the specialist firm expects to offer a no win, no fee arrangement for eligible claimants.

What this site can and cannot do

If you are a former pupil or family member

Many people find it difficult to revisit what happened at school, especially where there may have been abuse or serious safeguarding failures. Registering your interest does not commit you to starting a claim, speaking publicly, or joining any group. It simply allows the Old Papplewickian GLO Action Group and its solicitors to understand the scale of what has happened and to keep you informed about important developments.

If you would like to receive updates about the litigation, you can sign-up here.

Confidentiality and safeguarding

The information collected through this site is used for the limited purpose of coordinating communication about the proposed group litigation. It is not a place to report urgent safeguarding concerns or to seek emergency help.

If you are currently at risk, or if a child is at risk, you should contact the police or your local children's services department without delay. If you need emotional support, you may wish to contact your GP or an appropriate support organisation or helpline.