THE headteacher of a Suffolk high school which was the scene of a stabbing incident involving two pupils has used the village newsletter to praise the response of staff, students and the local community.

By David Green

THE headteacher of a Suffolk high school which was the scene of a stabbing incident involving two pupils has used the village newsletter to praise the response of staff, students and the local community.

Dave Shorten, head of Stradbroke High School, says in the newsletter's latest edition that the incident on May 9 had caused considerable stress.

However, the response from staff and students had been excellent while the support from the local community had been "united and unwavering".

Fifteen-year-old Ben Goddard of Athelington is now back home after a substantial recovery from injuries described shortly after the stabbing as "critical" and requiring intensive hospital treatment.

Another 15-year-old has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and is currently on conditional bail.

Mr Shorten says in the village newsletter: "No-one would have wished for the tragic events of May 9 to be visited on any school, least of all ours.

"They have caused considerable pain and suffering for the families and individuals involved and that suffering is obviously going on right now.

"They have caused anxiety, stress and sadness for many people connected with the school. They have challenged the very values on which this school has based its success over the last few years."

Mr Shorten says the school remained a safe and secure environment and children continued to attend each day "with confidence and enthusiasm".

"The values we share have stood the test and helped us come to terms with this challenge.

"The teamwork showed by everyone who works here – adults and students – has been first class. The support we have received from all sections of the community has been united and unwavering.

"We can gain strength from these positive outcomes. No school could have coped better," he says.

He adds: "Our hearts go out to everyone at the centre of this incident. We've all been through a lot but we can only guess at the trauma they've suffered and the worrying and waiting they must endure every day. We send them our continuing thoughts and prayers."