Police officers have been deployed to patrol the corridors of a secondary school following claims pupils’ unruly behaviour is ‘spiralling out of control’.
The move comes after an increase in anti-social behaviour at the high school and claims by staff and pupils that they don’t feel safe in what a former teacher described as ’10 years of deteriorating behaviour’.
Council chiefs are also set to draft in four new youth workers and an extra deputy head at Hawick High School in the Scottish Borders, to help tackle the problems.
Police have been deployed to Hawick High School to patrol its corridors as teachers, other staff and pupils said they fear for their safety
Angered parents and staff voiced their concerns after demanding a meeting with the governing body’s bosses earlier this week.
Local councillor Clair Ramage used to be a teacher at the school but left in 2012 because of the ‘unrest’.
Clair, who taught at the school for 34 years, says she has been approached by numerous concerned parents, staff, and pupils at the school.
She said: ‘These issues are a culmination of 10 years of deteriorating behaviour.
‘When I first started teaching in the school, we worked as a team, and it was clear how behavioural issues were handled.
‘There was a system within departments, and you were supported by guidance, deputes and the headteacher if issues had to be moved on.
‘Since I left the school, many experienced teachers have also left, and, on speaking to them, it was about the continued deteriorating behaviour.’
And Police Scotland have now confirmed the move.
Inspector Carol Wood said: ‘As part of our continued engagement with local schools within Hawick, a number of issues relating to the conduct and actions of a small number of pupils at Hawick High School were raised.
‘To address these issues, officers have been deployed to the school and will engage with staff and pupils on a daily basis to deter offences and assure that any matters, which arise are suitably dealt with.’
Parents have met with Donna Manson, Scottish Borders Council’s Service Director Children and Young People, to demand action.
Last week she attempted to reassure parents by sending out a letter saying the council is making ‘rapid progress’ in tackling the issue.
In it she said the school takes a ‘zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour’.
She said: ‘From time to time there is some poor behaviour displayed by a minority of pupils, both within the school campus and in the local community.
‘I am aware that there have been concerns voiced on social media regarding some anti-social behaviour in the school and wish to reassure you that, in close partnership with the police, social work and youth workers, we are making rapid progress in eliminating this unacceptable behaviour.
‘This involves the support of local police, on and off the school campus, and close engagement with families where appropriate.’