An ambulance was called to Holy Trinity Senior School in the Holmfield area of the town just before noon. The victim, 17-year-old Andrew Smith, was taken to the Royal Halifax Infirmary, where his condition has been described as "comfortable".

It is understood he was wounded in the back but is not dangerously hurt. The headteacher of the school says the injuries are "superficial". West Yorkshire Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the attack.

The stabbing came as the Education Secretary David Blunkett was about to arrive at The Ridings School just a short distance from Holy Trinity.

He heard how The Ridings had overcome the problems which led to it earning the unfortunate reputation of the worst school in the country two years ago.

At the time, Holy Trinity had a better reputation among parents.