Thorpe St Andrew School to Reopen After Pupil Stabbing Incident

Thorpe St Andrew School will reopen after a pupil was stabbed. A 15-year-old boy was arrested, and police and support teams will be on site to assist students and staff.

School to Reopen Following Stabbing Incident

A secondary school is scheduled to reopen a day after a pupil was stabbed on its premises.

A teenage girl sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital following the incident at Thorpe St Andrew School, located near Norwich, on Wednesday.

During the event, pupils and staff implemented lockdown procedures, which included barricading doors, hiding under desks, and closing blinds. A 15-year-old boy was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

PA A police cordon is pictured at a school. Three police officers can be seen looking at paperwork — There was a heavy police presence at the school on Wednesday

Principal Addresses the Community

Principal Penny Bignell described the day as "incredibly traumatic" but expressed hope that students would benefit from the return to their normal routines.

In a letter sent to parents on Wednesday evening, the school stated:

"When something like this happens, routines and normality are helpful, and so school will be open as normal tomorrow at 8am.

However, if you as a family wish to support your child at home we will respect this choice."

The principal further explained that both the police and a support team from the local authority would be present on site to provide reassurance to students, staff, and the wider community.

She added:

"It will take time for us all to understand and process what has happened, and clearly we will be working closely with the police to support their investigation."

Details of the Arrest and Police Response

The 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

During the incident, pupils were instructed to turn off their phones and hide under their desks. Armed police officers were observed inside the school premises.

Contributed An armed police officer is at a doorway to a classroom. He is wearing all black clothing with a helmet and glasses. He is holding a large black gun, pointed towards the floor — A photo taken from within a classroom showed an armed police officer at the scene

The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:25 GMT, also triggered emergency procedures at other nearby schools.

Impact on Nearby Schools

Cecil Gowing Infant School in Sprowston, about three miles from Thorpe St Andrew School, informed parents that although it did not enter a full lockdown, children were kept inside until further information was available.

By 12:45 GMT, children at Cecil Gowing Infant School were permitted to go outside and play again.

Community and Political Response

Mid Norfolk Member of Parliament George Freeman described the incident as "deeply concerning and truly harrowing."

The Conservative MP extended his thoughts to the victim and stated:

"The scourge of knife crime and stabbing which we have seen in London is not something we want to see on the streets of Norwich or any part of Norfolk."

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