Schools in knife crime hotspots to get specialist training

The government has unveiled plans to provide specialist training for up to 250 schools in areas with high rates of knife crime, aiming to reduce youth violence. The initiative will be funded by a £1.2m investment, which may include mentoring programs for at-risk students and additional supervision during school journeys.

Local solutions and technology

A new hyper-local mapping system, developed by the Home Office, will help identify knife crime hotspots with precision, down to the nearest 10 sqm (107.6 sq ft). This tool is expected to assist police in pinpointing areas where violence peaks, especially during children’s commutes. The Safety In and Around Schools Partnership, led by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), will train school leaders to assess risks and implement tailored strategies to enhance pupil safety.

“We know what works to prevent knife crime—trusted adults, social and emotional support, and opportunities like sport,” said Jon Yates, CEO of YEF and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime. “This programme aims to bring that support to more school children, giving them a chance to live free from violence.”

While knife crime saw a 9% drop in 2025 compared to the previous year and pre-Covid levels, according to the Office for National Statistics, the issue remains widespread. Urban areas have historically faced higher rates, but recent studies suggest it is now a growing concern across regions. The partnership will introduce a school self-assessment tool as part of its training, focusing on understanding where pupils feel vulnerable.

Political reactions

The Conservatives criticized the move, calling it a “massive cheek” for Labour to announce the plan while reducing police numbers. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused the party of creating the current situation with “zero tolerance” policies. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman Jess Brown-Fuller argued that the measures “alone won’t be enough” to address the crisis, urging the government to prioritize community policing and youth services.

The announcement coincides with the launch of eight youth futures hubs in regions with high anti-social behavior, such as Bristol, Nottingham, and Leeds. These hubs aim to offer job support and wellbeing initiatives. The government plans to expand this network to 50 locations nationwide, targeting areas where knife crime is most prevalent.

Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasized the funding’s role in “protecting children and building safer streets for every community.” However, critics remain divided on the effectiveness of the strategy, with debates over police staffing and long-term solutions for youth violence.