Teachers to frisk pupils in airport-style weapons searches

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The crackdown will be welcomed by schools which have been plagued by gang violence as it will allow them to use airport-style security checks.

Headteachers insisted that most schools would not need to use the powers, and that they would continue to dial 999 as soon as they suspected a pupil of carrying a knife or gun.

But the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) agreed the new powers would send a "strong message that schools will not tolerate the threat of violence and that the Government will back up headteachers who take a tough stance on weapons".

ASCL chief John Dunford said: "School leaders need to be able to adopt tough measures. The new powers provide another way to deal swiftly with potential situations before they become problems." The measures-will see schools install x-ray machines at entrances, or issue hand-held "wand" metal detectors to staff.

Government guidance today said teachers or security staff could conduct the searches - but should call police if they feared a serious threat.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson said: "This new power was called for by teachers, but our guidance makes clear a search should never take place where there is any risk to staff or pupils. In those circumstances the police should be called."

He added: "Schools can also use metal detector arches and wands to screen pupils for knives where the head feels this is helpful and would work as a deterrent. I think parents will welcome the clear message that bringing a weapon into school is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.

"Screening, alongside today's new power for searches, means schools now have the law behind them so they can take action to prevent weapons from coming through the front gate."