Northampton secondary school trials knife arch as families 'overwhelmingly' in support of pro-active measure
A Northampton secondary school is trialling in a knife arch as a pro-active measure to make a stand against knives and weapons, after families “overwhelming” supported the move.
The Duston School introduced the arch for Year 10 students on Thursday March 26, as the school moves to send a clear messages that “weapons have no place” in the “school community”.
According to the school, all key stakeholders who have children at the school were canvassed for their views in autumn 2025.
A spokesperson for The Duston School said: “Overwhelmingly the majority of families were hugely in favour of this approach. As a result, today we have trialled our first ever knife arch pilot at the school in conjunction with support from Northamptonshire Police.
"All families were communicated with this morning to make them aware that this pilot approach had taken place.”
The school’s principal, Sam Strickland, added: “The safety of our pupils will always come first. The decision to introduce a knife arch trial with Year 10 this morning in collaboration with the police is a pro-active and preventative measure – It is not in response to a specific incident and is part of our wider commitment to safeguarding.
"We want to provide reassurance to our families and send a very clear message that weapons have no place in our school community.”
The school added that the safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff and wider school community is their “highest priority” and that the arch adds “another layer” to overall safeguarding processed already in place. The move is designed to “reassure families, deter anyone from bringing prohibited items onto school premises and to reinforce a clear message that weapons have absolutely no place in the school”.
A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: "Tackling knife crime is a priority for Northamptonshire Police and we are proud to work in partnership with local schools on education and prevention around the carrying of knives.
"We will continue working hard alongside our partners to engage with young people.”
The police spokeswoman added that anyone with any concerns is welcome to contact officers on email at: [email protected].