A 17-year-old boy has been sentenced to three years in custody after taking a knife into a Bedfordshire school and attacking a fellow student and a member of staff.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, false imprisonment, and threatening someone with a bladed article on school premises, following the incident on 2 May 2025.
He was 16 at the time of the offence.
At around 1.40pm, the boy arrived at the school carrying a kitchen knife hidden in his bag. He then forced another pupil into a toilet area, where he threatened and assaulted them before walking away.
Moments later, he slashed at a member of staff with the knife, injuring their hand as they attempted to lock a gate to stop him passing.
The school was immediately placed into lockdown, and police were called. Officers arrived quickly and arrested the boy at the scene. Both victims were taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries.
Last week (Friday, 19 September), the teenager was sentenced to three years in custody at Luton Crown Court.
Detective Inspector Kim Caddy, from Bedfordshire Police, said: “We recognise how frightening this incident must have been for the students and staff, and we commend the school for their swift response and continued support throughout our investigation.
“Picking up a knife is a reckless decision that carries serious consequences, especially when it’s used to spread fear and threaten the safety of others.
“While we will always ensure those who carry knives are held accountable, we are equally focused on prevention, and will continue our joint efforts with schools, partners and communities to deter young people from violence and keep knives out of their hands.”
For more information on how Bedfordshire Police is tackling knife crime and how to get support, visit: Operation Sceptre – Tackling Knife Crime in Our County
