Schools in knife crime hotspots to get specialist training
Schools in knife crime hotspots to get specialist training
The UK government has announced a plan to provide targeted training to up to 250 schools located in areas with high knife crime rates, aiming to reduce the risk of serious violence among children. This initiative is backed by a £1.2m investment, which will support measures such as mentoring programs for at-risk students and supervision during school travel routes.
As part of the effort, the government is expected to outline further steps to achieve its goal of halving knife crime within ten years. The new strategy includes a partnership focused on safety in and around schools, with the goal of creating localized solutions to enhance pupil security and prevent violent incidents.
Jon Yates, CEO of the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), emphasized that the program will prioritize children’s experiences, helping schools identify where pupils feel most vulnerable. He stated: “We know what works to prevent knife crime—trusted adults, accessible support, and opportunities like sports. This initiative brings those elements to more children, offering them a chance to thrive without fear of violence.”
The YEF, which collaborates with the Department for Education, Ministry of Justice, and Home Office, will implement the training in phases. The first phase will focus on initial engagement this school year, followed by more intensive support next academic year. A specialized self-assessment tool will also be introduced to aid schools in evaluating their safety protocols.
Justice Secretary David Lammy praised the funding as a step toward safer streets for communities. However, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized Labour for making the announcement while reducing police numbers, arguing: “They even removed dedicated officers in schools, yet now claim to be concerned about the rise in crime. They created this problem with their cuts.”
The Liberal Democrats called for additional measures, stating: “While schools are desperate for support, these actions alone won’t resolve the crisis. The government must reinstate community policing and ensure youth services are widely available.”
Parallel to this, the first wave of youth clubs designed to offer job and wellbeing support will launch in England. Eight hubs will open in regions with significant anti-social behavior, including Bristol, Nottingham, and Leeds. These locations were chosen as initial targets, with plans to expand to 50 sites nationwide.
Despite a decline in knife crime in 2025—down 9% compared to the previous year and pre-Covid levels—urban areas remain central to the issue. Research indicates the problem has become more widespread, prompting the need for broader interventions. The new hyper-local mapping technology from the Home Office will help pinpoint knife crime hotspots as small as 10 square meters, enabling police to target areas with the highest risk during school commutes.