HOLMES Chapel Comprehensive School has restated its zero tolerance policy on students carrying knives.

The school issued the statement in the wake of a number of recent fatal stabbings nationally, with such incidents at a record high since records began more than 70 years ago.

Headteacher Denis Oliver said with a national focus on young people carrying knives, the governing body wanted to reiterate the school’s zero tolerance policy towards the carrying of knives by students.

“Within society knife crime is a growing and deeply worrying feature, one which we as a school community must take very seriously,” said Mr Oliver.

“The governing body wish to make it clear that we have a zero tolerance approach to the carrying by students, staff or visitors, of knives or other such sharp objects, which could be used to endanger the safety of anyone in our school.”

He said all members of the school community and all visitors were expected to show respect in their relationships with each other and in their conduct around school.

“To have respect for each other includes ensuring that nothing that we do, or omit to do, places anyone else at risk of harm. The safety of our students, staff and visitors, is of paramount importance.”

House assemblies at the school have focused on the issue of knife crime and staying safe in the community.

The school was joined by PC Roger Need and PCSO Liz Chesters, who discussed the issue with students, helping to offer a local perspective on a national issue.

Mr Oliver added: “Students said how informative the talk was, and were happy the school and police are taking positive steps to make their community and school a safer place.”

The school’s policy is that the carrying around school of an unauthorised knife or object which could be used as an offensive weapon cannot be tolerated.

Any student found to be carrying such an object will, initially, receive a fixed-term exclusion of five days in line with the school’s exclusion policy.

Any member of staff found to be carrying such an object without authorisation will, initially, be suspended from duty pending an investigation under the disciplinary procedure.