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Head whose pupils died brings in metal detectors
Rashid Razaq, Evening Standard05.06.08
A London headteacher is installing metal detectors at his school after losing two pupils to knife crime.
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."
Reader views (1)
I think Phil Hearne (Headmaster) is quite right in bringing in metal detectors. It is a terrible state of affairs all the stabbings and killings that have been going on lately. Children should be able to feel safe at home and also while attending school. If having them all checked at they enter school by security guards is what makes them feel safe and secure that is what is important and should be done. More of the local council school authorities should be considering doing the same. Well done Mr Hearne for doing the correct thing for your pupils and in giving their parents peace of mind while they attend school.
It is a very sad state of affairs that our country is going downhill to having to cope with these terrible incidents. Also that families and loved ones are losing their nearest and dearest in such a terrible way!
Something should be done and the government needs to get their act together for a change and support everyone in this matter before it gets any worse.
- Susan Mackie, Aberdeen, Scotland
