School given security cash

Pupils were asked to suggest how the school could be made safer

A school in Darlington has been awarded about £250,000 to improve its security and make teachers and pupils feel safer.

Eastbourne Comprehensive School is one of two schools in the country that have been given the funds as part of a government pilot scheme.

The 800-pupil school has suffered with problems of vandalism, violence by trespassers, and thefts in the past.

The cash will enable it to install a range of practical measures, to deter criminals and improve security for pupils and teachers

Some of the money will go towards buying CCTV and special "invisible" fencing, and door locks opened by swipe cards or PIN numbers.

Pupil survey

The school will also be looking at ways to allow pupils and teachers secure access to buildings before the start of the school day.

The school carried out a survey of pupils about their fear of crime, which revealed concerns about a range of issues as diverse as intrusion by trespassers down to pupils smoking on site.

They were asked to make suggestions as to how the building could be made safer and more welcoming, and many of their suggestions were incorporated into the final project.

Acting headteacher, Karen Pemberton, says she is pleased with the difference it will make to the school.

"I'm delighted that the school has been chosen as part of a pilot to examine how technology can be used to improve the learning environment in schools", she said.