Introduce a clear policy banning knives of any kind in schools, including religious or ceremonial blades. Schools should remain completely weapon-free environments so pupils and staff can learn and work safely.

We think allowing any type of blade on school grounds can create unnecessary risk, even if ceremonial. Knife crime remains a serious issue in England and Wales, with tens of thousands of offences involving knives recorded each year. There has also been an incident in which a student in Australia was stabbed during an altercation involving a ceremonial knife. We think a single clear rule banning knives in schools would protect pupils and remove confusion over exceptions.