Boy charged over Tewkesbury Academy stabbing
The 15 year old is due in court on Wednesday morning
Last updated 12th Jul 2023
Police have charged a fifteen year old boy in connection with the stabbing of a teacher at Tewkesbury Academy on Monday 10th July.
The boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, has been charged with section 18 attempted wounding with intent, and possession of a bladed article.
He’s due at Cheltenham Magistrates on Wednesday 12th July.
Police were called to the school at 9.10am on Monday 10th July, and the school was locked down while officers carried out searches.
An arrest was made in the Stoke Orchard area at 11am.
The victim, teacher Jamie Sansom from Newport in Wales, suffered a single stab wound, and was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Mr Sansom, who was discharged from hospital on Monday evening, said speculation he was intervening in a fight between students is “simply not true”.
He said in a statement: “On police advice, I can’t comment in detail about what happened, but I do want to address some misinformation which has been circulating in coverage of yesterday’s incident.
“It is simply not true to say that I was intervening in a fight between students. In my view, there was no point at which Tewkesbury students faced any direct threat.
“I am pleased to say that I am recovering well. I was well looked after at Gloucester Royal, and by the police, and I’m grateful for that. My thanks to everyone who helped put me on the road to what is expected to be a full recovery.
“I have received more than one hundred messages of support, which has been a big boost. It was hugely uplifting to know I had that support behind me, and I want to thank all of my colleagues and the parents at Tewkesbury Academy who have taken the time to reach out. It has meant a lot.
“I hope to be well enough soon to visit the school to thank people in person. And if doctors give me the all-clear, I hope to be back in the classroom before the summer break.
"I’m due to move to a new school at the end of the year, and it would mean a lot to me to have the opportunity to say goodbye before I move on.”
The school said it reopened on Tuesday following careful assessment and consultation with the police.
A Tewkesbury Academy spokesperson said: “We feel it is important for our students to be able to return to a sense of normality in their school, where we will be providing a range of additional mental and emotional support for students and staff.”
However there will be a police presence at the school for the coming days to provide reassurance.