Lewisham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Haberdashers’ Knights Academy in Lewisham was placed on lockdown around 1pm on May 16 after intruders were reported on the school grounds.
Three girls were interviewed by police after they were summoned to the school.
No further action was taken against the other two, but one, who was thirteen years old, was arrested on suspicion of common assault.
Charlene Ponteen, the vice-principal of Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, has been charged with common assault by the girl, who cannot be identified because of her age.
The Lewisham girl is also accused of having a sharp object on her person at the school on May 15, the day before the lockdown.
It is reported that she owned a hairbrush with a sharp edge on one end.
This week, the girl is scheduled to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.
Parents from Haberdashers’ Knights Academy received the following letter from the school:
“Dear Parents and Guardians, You may be aware that we have had an incident of three pupils from another school entering the site today.
They did not enter the school building. I want to take this opportunity to provide further clarity and reassurance about what happened and how we responded. The individuals involved were pupils from another local school who came onto our school grounds without permission.
Our staff acted swiftly and in line with our safeguarding procedures to ensure no-one was placed in danger. The police attended promptly and as a precaution, we implemented our lockdown procedure.
The safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff is our priority and I want to reassure you that they were safe at all times and no one was harmed and we will continue to support them as needed. We have been in contact with the leadership team at the other school and they are committed to working with us, and their students to avoid this happening again.
We understand that incidents of this nature can be unsettling and we are committed to keeping you informed.
We are also mindful of the importance of protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved, including our own pupils and staff, by avoiding unnecessary speculation or the sharing of incomplete information.
We kindly ask for your support in allowing us to manage this matter appropriately, and to come to us directly with any concerns or questions. If you do have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the school team, please do not hesitate to get in touch by contacting the school reception. Thank you, as always, for your support and partnership.”
What safety measures are being implemented after the May 16 lockdown?
The school is reviewing and strengthening its security procedures to prevent unauthorized access to the premises in the future. Staff are undergoing additional training on lockdown procedures and emergency response to ensure swift and effective action during such incidents.
There is likely an increase in surveillance and monitoring measures, which may include more frequent patrols, better CCTV coverage, and controlled access points to the school grounds. The school is working closely with local police to review the incident, gather intelligence, and coordinate efforts to ensure student safety.
The academy is improving communication channels to keep parents and students informed about safety protocols and any developments related to school security.