Headmaster praised for dealing with ‘tried homicide’ on first day at new college

The new headmaster at the Sheffield school where a student was arrested on suspicion of “attempted murder” has been praised for handling the crisis on her first day at the helm.

Less than 24 hours after The Birley Academy welcomed Mrs Victoria Hall, saying she would lead the academy on an “exciting journey of growth and excellence”, disaster struck.

Before classes even started on her first day on Wednesday morning (May 1), Mrs Hall was receiving troubling updates of an incident at the school.

Three people, including a child, were injured in an attack which saw a 17-year-old arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. South Yorkshire Police said the incident involved a sharp object, as parents told how their children “hid under tables.”.

Assistant Chief Constable Dan Thorpe said it was a “frightening ordeal for everyone” but praised school staff for their actions which “helped keep the school community safe”.

And Mrs Hall was praised by her superiors for her actions on the frightening day. Diana Owen CBE, CEO of L.E.A.D, the organisation that oversees the school, took to X to share her praise.

She wrote: “A huge well done and thank you to @VictoriaLHall1 and all the staff @birleyacademy on managing the serious incident so professionally and well today. Well done to the students who behaved brilliantly.”

A second person added: “Plans are words on paper. Turning them into action requires effective leadership at all levels.”

Assistant Chief Constable Dan Thorpe said one of the adult victims was hurt with what is thought to be “broken glass” while the child who was assaulted “thankfully had no visible injuries.”

The school had just hours earlier announced the tenure of Mrs Victoria Hall.

A statement read: “Introducing our new Headteacher – Mrs Victoria Hall. With her dedication to student success, Mrs. Hall is set to lead us on an exciting journey of growth and excellence. #makingbirleybrilliant.”

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