Scope of the problem: knives in schools across England and Wales
A BBC investigation has exposed that incidents involving knives or sharp objects are occurring in primary schools, not just in secondary ones. Police data from 41 of 43 forces in England and Wales reveal a troubling trend: in 2024 there were 1,304 offences linked to schools and sixth-form colleges, with at least 10% carried out by primary-school-aged children. The numbers underscore a growing concern about safety in and around schools and highlight that threats can arrive earlier than many expect.
The breadth of the issue is shown in the reports from different regions. In Kent, officers documented an assault involving a four-year-old pupil, while in the West Midlands a six-year-old was recorded bringing a flick knife into class. Such cases challenge the traditional assumption that knife crime is a teenager’s problem and push schools and communities to examine safeguarding, supervision, and early intervention strategies that may prevent such incidents from escalating.
Personal experiences and the human cost
Stories from pupils and relatives bring the statistics to life. A mother in Sheffield, whose son Harvey Willgoose was murdered by another pupil, told the BBC that the data is shocking and urged government action toward universal safety measures, including metal detectors or “knife arches” in all UK schools and colleges. One teenage boy in Sheffield candidly said he has taken knives to school as a perceived form of self‑protection, illustrating how fear can drive risky decisions among young people.
In educational settings, students describe a mix of emotions when arches or detectors are introduced. Evie, a 16-year-old, calls the arch a stark reminder of potential danger, while 13-year-old Archie notes it also feels reassuring because of the safety it provides. School leaders like Dudley Academies Trust’s headteachers point to a need for extra security measures in response to regional knife-crime rates, even as they acknowledge the broader debate about balancing safety with a normal school day.
What schools and policymakers are doing
Across England and Wales, schools are increasingly considering permanent security measures. In the West Midlands, a trust is installing knife arches in all four of its secondary schools due to high local knife-crime rates. The Home Office, meanwhile, emphasizes tackling root causes through initiatives like the Young Futures programme and supports local schools’ power to install security measures, including arches, as part of safeguarding. The government has signalled support for stricter rules on online knife sales through the Ronan’s Law framework, which came into effect last August.
Security is not the only piece of the puzzle. The Association of School and College Leaders argues for a society-wide approach, noting that long-term cuts to community policing and youth outreach have left schools needing more support to prevent violence. Jean-Marie, a school leader, framed the challenge as a broader social issue rather than a school-only problem, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts with families and communities to address underlying risk factors.
What next for schools and families?
Experts and educators alike stress the importance of early intervention, trauma-informed support, and emotional education alongside physical security measures. Critics warn against over-securitising schools, arguing that an over-reliance on technology or barriers can create a climate of fear rather than resilience. The BBC interview with students in a Sheffield gym reveals a desire for practical life skills—emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and coping strategies—that could reduce the impulse to bring weapons to school in the first place.
The debate continues as authorities weigh the balance between preventative policing and empowering schools with resources and training. The underlying aim remains clear: ensure every child can learn in a safe environment while addressing the factors that push some toward carrying weapons at a very young age.
