Why does this britsh kid at my school get picked on so much?

We have a britsh kid at my school Bernie. Bernie only has about three friends and they are unlucky as well. But Bernie is constanty picked on for his apperence and his accent. He has ALOT of dandruff and has about five pairs of clothes because as far as I know he is living in poverty. Last week some kids spilled water on him and the poor fellow started to cry. I feel bad and have no beef with him but when I talk to him he just tries to dismiss me. He looks sad and depressed but how can I possibly help him?