A boy who took a six inch knife into school has been sentenced to a nine month referral order.

The former pupil of Debden Park High admitted carrying the weapon into the Willingale Road School on June 10, which was allegedly found by staff.

At the youth hearing, held in Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court last week, the 14-year-old was also fined £15.

He was formally charged with possessing a blade on school property.

Headteacher Christian Cavanagh would not reveal any details over the incident but moved to reassure parents that this was a unique offence and that the pupil no longer attends the school which was rating ‘outstanding’ for behaviour by Ofsted.

The boy was also ordered to hand over the knife so that it could be destroyed.