UCL Academy in Swiss Cottage

A SCHOOL left in shock after a 12-year-old pupil was stabbed on its grounds reopened yesterday (Wednesday) with a support plan in place for staff and classmates.

Two 14-year-old boys were arrested at the UCL Academy in Adelaide Road, Swiss Cottage, on  Tuesday and held on suspicion of GBH and possession of an offensive weapon following what police described as an “altercation”.

The victim was treated at the scene and then later taken to hospital where their injury was deemed “non-life-threatening”.

In a letter to parents and carers, headteacher Andrea Pomphrey said: “This is an extremely rare occurrence and I understand that this would have been deeply concerning and difficult for families.

“A Level 1 student suffered an injury today and was subsequently treated in hospital after the school called the emergency services. Thankfully the student is recovering and our thoughts are them, their friends and family.

“On the instruction of the police we were told to close the school at lunchtime with no notice and we need to follow all police instructions at this time.”

She added: “I am steadfastly committed to the wellbeing and safety of our students and as a school we take this matter very seriously.

“We will open the school in a staggered approach and phased return to enable us to talk to all students in an Assembly about what happened today and ensure both staff and students are well supported.”

In response to the incident, World Book Day events have been post­poned until next week. Councillor Richard Olszewski, the leader of Camden Council said: “Our thoughts right now are with the affected pupil and their family and friends. The pupil is being treated in hospital and our best wishes are with them for their recovery.

“I’d like to thank the emergency services for their response. “We are working closely with UCL Academy following the incident to offer support and assistance, including to the children and families affected. “We are also supporting the school and assist the police in their investigation.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to an altercation at a school on Adelaide Road, Camden at 12:54pm on Tuesday A 12-year-old boy suffered a single stab wound.

“He was treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service and later taken to hospital where his injuries were deemed to be non-life-threatening.”

The UCL Academy opened after the university in Bloomsbury came forward and said it wanted to sponsor a new secondary school.

Arguments over where its location should be and whether academy status schools were welcome in Camden played out before it opened in 2012.