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Weald of Kent Grammar School pupil from Hildenborough who took own life was bullied, inquest told

A teenage girl who took her own life suffered from social isolation and bullying at school, an inquest has heard.

Taliyah Dahdi, from Hildenborough, died in August near Tonbridge Railway Station – a day before receiving top marks in her exams.

Taliyah Dahdi from Hildenborough died in August near Tonbridge Railway Station
Taliyah Dahdi from Hildenborough died in August near Tonbridge Railway Station

The 16-year-old Weald of Kent Grammar School pupil excelled in art and had been accepted at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Farnham, Surrey.

However the teen suffered with her mental health which was made worse by bullies as she often felt left out of activities at the school in Tonbridge.

During the inquest, DS Salusbury-Trelawny, from the British Transport Police, told the coroner he had found sketch books in the teenager’s bedroom with artwork reflecting her thoughts of self harm and pain.

It is also where she left a heartbreaking note to her family.

Paying tribute to his daughter, Jeremy Dahdi told the court Taliyah was ‘exceptional’ and excelled in everything she put her mind to.

Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tudeley Lane, Tonbridge. Picture: Matthew Walker
Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tudeley Lane, Tonbridge. Picture: Matthew Walker

He added: “Taliyah was an exceptional individual, any parent would say that, however Taliyah was one of those rare people who is gifted.

“She could put her hand to most sports and excelled.

“She was a dazzling baker. She would come home and create amazing bakes.

“As a self taught musician she would spend many hours on the keyboard, going into school early to practise her skills in the music room.

“In recent years Taliyah seemed more introverted although she says she did not always feel hurt. She struggled with mental health because of social isolation at school.

Tonbridge Railway Station. Picture: Instant Street View
Tonbridge Railway Station. Picture: Instant Street View

“She tried to form friendships but was often excluded from activities.”

Summing up, coroner Alan Blunsdon said: “Taliyah was concealing the depths and strengths of the feelings of self harm from those she loved but on August 11, just before 6am, she went to a spot she knew and loved and watched the sunrise and placed herself in front of a train.

“The consequences of that was catastrophic, not only to Taliyah but to those who loved her."

A Just Giving page has been set up in her memory. To donate, click here.

The Weald of Kent Grammar School declined to comment.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or click here to visit the website.

For more information on how we can report on inquests, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Tonbridge

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