I fully understand how upsetting the reports will have been to students and parents. At no point were students in school in any danger whatsoever, and the police were very clear about this at the time. The incident did not occur in the School itself as reported in many media outlets and the police were not ‘called to the School’. We communicated as quickly as possible with all parents and students using all available formats, to reassure them, once we realised the tone of what was circulating in the news media. The incident was reported at about 12:06pm and police arrived at a house near the school, dealt quietly with the matter and departed. Lesson 4 proceeded as normal while the incident was occurring. Lunchtime then proceeded as normal, as did the final lesson of the school day. At the request of the police we would have kept students in classrooms at the end of lesson 4, however this wasn’t necessary as we were given the all-clear by the police, who remained outside the school for a little while after the incident was over. I was particularly impressed how the students rehearsing for tonight’s Christmas Concert carried on regardless throughout the whole thing! Students were reassured they were in no danger whatsoever before leaving school at the end of the day. Their conduct was impeccable throughout the whole incident and all students were a credit to Highcliffe School.
I would like to thank all my colleagues, every single one of them, for the calm and professional manner in which they dealt with today’s distressing events. They put the safety of our students first. I admire them greatly for this.
May I take this opportunity to wish everyone associated with the school a very restful and relaxing Christmas, and a very happy 2015!
Best wishes to you all,
Patrick Earnshaw
Headteacher
Owned by: | Last Published: 18/12/2014 18:06:54 | Next Update: N/A
© Copyright 2024 Highcliffe School. All Rights Reserved.
Highcliffe School is part of HISP Multi Academy Trust. Registered in England & Wales Number: 07562918
