**Security Increased at Brynteg School and Bridgend College Following Shocking Student Attacks**
Security measures have been strengthened at Brynteg School and Bridgend College in Bridgend after a series of violent assaults committed by two teenage girls left students, staff, and parents shocked and anxious. The institutions responded quickly to a disturbing case in which the girls, both aged 14, were convicted of multiple violent offences, including blackmail and actual bodily harm, with details emerging of humiliating and aggressive behaviour towards fellow pupils.
The attacks, which took place over several days in early March of this year, occurred at multiple locations, including Brynteg Comprehensive, Bridgend College, Pyle train station, and near a local leisure centre. Reports from Cardiff Youth Court described how the two assailants repeatedly punched, kicked, threatened, and verbally abused their victims, in some cases compelling fellow teenagers to perform acts such as kissing their feet, before subjecting them to further violence.
Mobile phone recordings, used as evidence in court, painted a bleak picture of the cruelty inflicted. In one instance, a victim was dragged to the ground inside a school corridor, assaulted with both blows and kicks to the head, while her attackers continued their tirade of threats and insults.
The older of the two girls, who was already subject to a youth referral order following a previous incident of actual bodily harm, received an 18-month Youth Rehabilitation Order. This comes with stringent conditions, including intensive supervision, an overnight curfew, a ban from the locations of the attacks and from educational establishments other than the one she will attend, and fitted GPS monitoring. Compensation of £60 for each victim – a modest sum – was also imposed. The younger accomplice, who had received a caution for carrying a knife earlier in the year, was given a Youth Referral Order and restraining orders preventing her from contacting the victims either in person or via social media.
Restraining orders, valid for four years, were imposed on both perpetrators, underlining the serious risks posed by their behaviour. In addition, the younger girl’s parent has been ordered to pay compensation to the victims.
In the wake of the court’s decisions, both Brynteg School and Bridgend College have reiterated their commitment to learner safety. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the school has reviewed its on-site access procedures, resulting in several immediate changes. These include a heightened staff presence during key times such as lunch and breaks, stricter check-in rules at entrances for all visitors, and an expansion of monitored areas around the premises.
Looking ahead, Brynteg School indicated it is also exploring the possibility of extending its current CCTV coverage to deter future incidents and to reassure the school community. A spokesperson stressed, “Incidents of this nature are fortunately rare at our school, but we cannot be complacent. Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of pupils will always be our top priority.”
Bridgend College’s principal, Viv Buckley, echoed these sentiments, stating: “Student and staff safety is at the heart of everything we do. We have already enhanced the presence of duty managers, increased security personnel, and are carrying out more frequent identification checks throughout our campuses. Working with our partners, we remain vigilant to any risk factors and determined to safeguard our entire learning community.”
This distressing episode comes amid growing concerns about rising incidents of violence and poor behaviour in schools across Wales. The issue has gained national attention, with the Welsh Government scheduling a summit dedicated to examining pupil conduct and school safety.
Recent inspections by Estyn, the Welsh educational inspectorate, have highlighted the mounting challenges faced by schools and colleges in maintaining good order and a respectful environment for learning. Although authorities and institutions have taken significant action, parents and residents in Bridgend will doubtlessly be watching to see whether these new preventative measures prove effective.
The tragic reality of these attacks serves as a grim reminder of the need for continual vigilance and proactive strategies to foster safe educational spaces for children and young people across Wales.