A MOTHER whose autistic son was forced to quit his school because of bullying has been told she will have to teach him at home.

Mrs Victoria Burgess, of Birkinbrook Close, Whitefield, says 12-year-old Jonathan has been sidelined by the system, and fears his problems will worsen.

Jonathan, whose condition is characterised by social difficulties, experienced severe bullying during his first year at Castlebrook High.

He had to leave school, and became so isolated and depressed that professionals recommended he be given anti-depressants.

Mrs Burgess had hoped Jonathan would be offered a place at Elms Bank High, and visited the school with Jonathan in June. But just before he was due to start a taster week there at the end of last term, she was told there was no place for him.

Mrs Burgess said: "The abuse at his old school had got so bad that the welfare officer rang and told me to take him home.

"The bullying had been so severe that they wanted to give him tablets. I took him on holiday instead.

"Anyone who knows about autism knows that home tuition is no good for him. Children like Jonathan need to be taught social skills and to be with other children.

"He loved Elms Bank but there is not a lot of time left before the start of term, and I am starting to panic."

Education bosses say that, for now, it is not possible to find a place for Jonathan at Elms Bank. However, they added that work was under way to resolve the situation with staff at Castlebrook, where Jonathan is still officially a pupil.

An education spokesman said: "We are aware of the situation but this is not a straightforward case and the authority is unable to discuss personal details of individual cases.

"The local education authority and school staff are working with the family to resolve these difficulties."