Superb post and very similar to my experience though mine was more down to moving, in what are now known as year 5 and year 10.
Year 5 - Madeley to Stafford
Year 10 - Stafford to Durham
At the time living in the NE it was hell on a daily basis though I was fortunate to have supportive parents who always have and always will support me though I didn’t tell them about the regular fights I got into (and lost) as I didn’t want to worry them.
It really can be anything that can make you a target whether it’s an accent, weight, size, being shy, teeth. In my case it was my mouth which at the time was similar to that of rock icon Mick Jagger.
It caused me hell and I was often called “rubber lips.”
Little did I know that people would actually pay large sums for it now.
The one thing i did learn though is that when your faced with adversity at a young age if your not to badly damaged (which I wasn’t) you appreciate the good times even more.
In recent years working with youngsters you really can see how much early trauma can impact on people when they’re adults especially at home. Every one has a story and though it should never be used as an excuse especially in cases like this it can be a factor and is where the likes of social services really do need to be fully commited.