A BOY stabbed in the shoulder at Beckfoot Thornton School on Friday is returning to classes today.

Headteacher Jeremy Richardson said the events on Friday, which saw children taken out of lessons and a 15-year-old boy arrested for stabbing his classmate, were a "terrible" day for the commnunity and shocked everyone.

In a statement published on the school's website, Mr Richardson said the youngster was returning to lessons today while the other boy was still helping police with their enquiries.  Children and staff were also being given emotional support.

He said: "I want to thank everyone within the school, the Beckfoot Trust, the police and medical services for their rapid, calm and appropriate response on Friday.

"We were able to support the injured student, identify the perpetrator and communicate with all of our students about actions taken."

Students refused to be put off from coming into school after the attack and 53 Year 11 pupils turned up to Saturday lessons less than 24 hours after the stabbing.

Mr Richardson added: "I would like to reassure you that it will be business as usual on Monday. 

"We are immensely proud of our school, the community we serve and the direction we are heading in.

"We all know how far we have come in the last two years. Friday was a setback but it will not define us.

"The lovely messages from parents and students, many of whom came up and spoke to me about how angry they felt about being tarnished by the appalling actions of one student, was immensely reassuring. 

"I also want to pay tribute to my staff who were immense. They are a fantastic team totally dedicated to the welfare of our students."