Head whose pupils died brings in metal detectors

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Security guards will start searching students at Paddington Academy for knives using hand-held metal detectors before the end of this term.

Principal Phil Hearne said the measure was being introduced at the request of pupils who feel unsafe.

Year 10 student Amro Elbadawi, 14, was killed in a dispute with another teenager in March.

The martial arts enthusiast, who excelled at maths and science, was attacked on the Mozart Estate in Queen's Park, where he lived.

Mr Hearne, who joined Paddington Academy last year, was head of the London Academy in Edgware when promising footballer Kiyan Prince, 15, was stabbed outside the school gates in 2006. Metal detectors were introduced at that school following his death.

Mr Hearne, 48, said: "We brought all the kids together to discuss the issues. We asked them what would make them feel safer. It was the same suggestion as when Kiyan was killed - handheld metal detectors.

"It brings us into line with what a lot of schools and academies are doing. The difference here is that it's not a teacher-led initiative. It's come in because that's what students are saying they feel comfortable with."

Other London schools are believed to be looking at adopting metal detectors.

However, they are likely to face more obstacles than the two flagship academies, independently operated by educational charity the United Learning Trust.

Mr Hearne added: "We need leadership on this issue - we must engage families, communities and society."