The headteacher of a West Cumbrian school has written to parents to update them about an incident involving a student which she called shocking and unprecedented.
Abby Deeks, principal of West Lakes Academy in Egremont, said the student was currently being supported by trained professionals and, if she got the family’s permission, she would share updates about him when she could.
Emergency services were called at around 11.50am yesterday, November 10, to the Main Street school.
She said: “The incident was unprecedented, the first of its kind in over a decade in our building and as such has been understandably difficult for both students and staff to deal with.
“The student….was supported instantly by trained first aiders who were in the area when the event happened. The support these staff gave was exceptional. Paramedics were quick on the scene and the student was taken for further assessment at hospital.
“This is a shocking incident for all at the academy and it cannot be underestimated the impact that this has had on students, staff and the wider community.
“It is natural that people feel shaken by today’s events. The academy will do all it can to support students and staff.”
The academy postponed its scheduled sixth form open evening and all extra curriculum activities and after-school clubs were cancelled.
She paid tribute to the students’ maturity and said the academy would be open as usual today, November 11. She added: “So we can offer support and continue with students’ education. There is a comprehensive support structure in place and therefore we believe the best thing for students is to be in school.”
An independent investigation has been launched into the incident.
No details of the incident have been released by the school, which is part of West Lakes Multi-Academy Trust.
