THE number of offensive weapons found in Borders schools rocketed by more 300 per cent last year.

Latest figures show that 47 objects – defined as being designed or used to inflict bodily harm or physical damage – were discovered in 2016, compared to 15 the previous year and 12 in 2014.

The statistics were revealed in a Freedom of Information response from Scottish Borders Council.

Chris Keates general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union said: “There needs to be a national review by the Scottish Government of what lies behind these statistics and whether this increase is being replicated nationwide.

“We need to know what is motivating pupils to come to school armed so that effective strategies can be put in place to tackle this.

“Pupils and staff must be protected. Schools should take all reasonable steps and send out strong messages to pupils and the community that they operate a zero tolerance approach to weapon carrying and will report all incidents to the police.

“It must also be remembered that tackling the problem of violence cannot be left to schools alone, this is an issue which has its roots in wider society and requires a joined–up approach from police, government, local authorities and schools.

“It is important not to forget that while carrying weapons with the intention of inflicting harm is unacceptable, there unfortunately are too many pupils who feel the need to behave in such a way because they are vulnerable to severe bullying inside and outside school.”

The Educational Institute of Scotland union added: “Schools have very clear discipline policies in place, which highlight that bringing any type of weapon to school is completely unacceptable and carries serious consequences, including school exclusion, and police involvement where necessary.”

Scottish Borders Council said: “The figure of 47 provided in the FOI response included incidents where bodily harm or physical damage was caused by items such as pencils, plastic toys, chairs or musical instruments. 

“No offensive weapons that could be described as having been designed for inflicting bodily harm or physical damage were found in Borders schools in 2016.”