A head teacher has hit back at national newspapers reports that branded his school Britain’s most violent.

Last week both The Sun and Daily Star carried the story about Howard School pupil Jordan Akehurst being sentenced to four years in youth custody for attacking Jack Blanchard. Within the article both papers claimed the school was branded Britain’s most violent after 108 pupils were banned for assaults in 2007.

But Paul Morris, head teacher of the Rainham based school, says the reference refers to a sensationalised story that appeared in February last year.

He said: “In this story a freelance journalist had quoted an unnamed person’s own personal opinion about The Howard School - hardly a reliable or accurate way of reaching such an exaggerated conclusion.

“I became head teacher in September 2007, three months after the academic year in which 108 children were excluded.

“I do not condone any violent actions either inside or, in this case, outside of school.

“Everyone is aware that the school has improved incredibly in the last few years. Students’ personal development and behaviour are good and any reports of bullying are dealt with swiftly and effectively, as highlighted in our latest Ofsted report in December 2008.

“This is also reflected in the fact that only one child was excluded from the Howard in the September to December 2008 academic term.

“Everyone at The Howard understands that violence of any description will not be tolerated. We hold peer mentoring and buddy schemes to ensure that everyone understands the dangers and impact of violence.”

In the school’s latest Ofsted report inspectors said: “Students’ personal development and well-being are good. Students’ behaviour in lessons is good.

“In this large and lively boys’ school, there are still occasional instances of unacceptable behaviour, which cause a few parents to express their concern.

“Others however, comment favourably on the improvement in the school’s ethos, and the ways in which it deals rapidly and effectively with students who do not meet its high expectations. Pastoral systems support students well.

“The school takes good care of vulnerable students, and works well with outside agencies to ensure that their needs are met.

The full Ofsted report can be read at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/103081