Pupils Caught with Weapons in Cardiff Schools Searches 2025-2026

Key Points

• Weapons were discovered in 12 out of 19 searches conducted at Cardiff schools between September 2025 and March 2026, according to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request shared with BBC-produced Newyddion S4C.
• The NASUWT teachers’ union described the figures as “frightening”.
• Cardiff Council stated that ensuring safety for staff and pupils on educational sites is “a priority”.
• Millie-Mae Adams, a medical student volunteering with StreetDoctors charity, called young people carrying weapons an “emergency” and “a big problem”.
• Adams noted: “The number will surprise people generally, but by talking to young people, it doesn’t surprise me. I know young people have this idea that they’re protecting themselves by carrying it [a weapon] but that isn’t true”.
• New protocols introduced in Cardiff schools last September allow use of hand-held scanners for searches on suspected pupils.
• When a weapon is found, a multi-agency incident review meeting is held within five school days, with welfare checks and trauma-informed support.
• Sion Amlyn, NASUWT policy and case officer, said: “If one was found it would be too many so the fact that this appears to be increasing is frightening… and the fact that there are multiple cases is concerning. No weapons should be in our schools; they should be safe spaces for our children and staff, and the figures suggest they might not be”.
• Cardiff Council spokesperson explained searches are conducted discreetly and proportionately, with parents informed afterwards.

Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) April 29, 2026 – Weapons were found on pupils in nearly two-thirds of searches carried out at schools across Cardiff over a six-month period, according to new data from a Freedom of Information request.

The FoI request, shared with BBC-produced Newyddion S4C, revealed that out of 19 searches between September 2025 and March 2026, 12 uncovered weapons, while seven did not. This statistic has prompted concern from education unions and local authorities amid ongoing efforts to enhance school safety.

What Triggered the Searches in Cardiff Schools?

Searches were initiated under new guidelines introduced by Cardiff Council in September 2025, allowing school staff to use hand-held scanners on pupils where there is reasonable suspicion of weapon possession. As reported by BBC News, the protocol specifies that two staff members must be present, and searches are conducted with minimal physical contact using a “search wand” in most cases. Parents or guardians are notified afterwards, and the reasons for the search are explained to both them and the pupil.

The FoI data covers Cardiff County schools during this period, though specific schools involved and types of weapons were not detailed in the request. Cardiff Council emphasised in response that safety remains a priority, with a structured response when weapons are found.

How Has the NASUWT Responded to These Figures?

Sion Amlyn, policy and case officer for the NASUWT teachers’ union, described the findings as “frightening”. As reported by BBC News, Amlyn stated:

“If one [weapon] was found it would be too many so the fact that this appears to be increasing is frightening… and the fact that there are multiple cases is concerning. No weapons should be in our schools; they should be safe spaces for our children and staff, and the figures suggest they might not be”.

The union’s reaction highlights broader worries about school safety in the region. NASUWT has previously supported calls for all-Wales resources based on Cardiff’s protocols to prepare teachers for such incidents.

What Measures Does Cardiff Council Take After Finding Weapons?

A Cardiff Council spokesperson outlined the post-discovery process, as detailed in the BBC article. When a weapon is discovered, a multi-agency incident review meeting is convened to assess the situation and determine support needs, occurring within five school days. The affected pupil does not return to school until this meeting concludes, with daily welfare checks provided in the interim.

Parents and guardians are engaged throughout, and a trauma-informed approach identifies necessary support to keep the young person in education where possible. The spokesperson added:

“This consistent strategy reflects Cardiff’s dedication to prevention, early intervention, and ensuring schools are safe while aiding young people in making positive changes”.

Searches themselves are performed discreetly, proportionately, with explanations given to the young person.

Who Is Millie-Mae Adams and What Did She Say?

Millie-Mae Adams, a third-year medical student at the University of Exeter and StreetDoctors volunteer since January 2023, reacted to the figures. As reported by BBC News, she described young people carrying weapons as an “emergency” and “a big problem”. Adams said:

“The number will surprise people generally, but by talking to young people, it doesn’t surprise me. I know young people have this idea that they’re protecting themselves by carrying it [a weapon] but that isn’t true”.

StreetDoctors, a charity empowering young people affected by violence through training on physical and psychological consequences, operates in Cardiff among 20 UK cities. Adams founded a branch during her studies and uses her platform, including as a former Miss World contestant, to address knife crime normalisation.

Why Were New Scanners Introduced in Cardiff Schools?

The hand-held scanners were rolled out following headteachers’ requests for guidance on weapon incidents. BBC News reported that Cardiff’s protocol, sent to parents, permits searches on reasonable suspicion. This was part of broader efforts, with all-Wales resources later developed based on Cardiff’s model to support teachers.

A council update noted:

“If it is reasonable that a person may be carrying a weapon, schools have the legal authority to perform a search”.

Such measures aim to make schools safe spaces.

Are There Related Incidents in Cardiff Schools?

Earlier in March 2026, Llanishen High School and Eastern High School in Cardiff closed as a precaution after threats of someone attending with weapons, as reported by ITV News Wales. South Wales Police received a message around 8:30pm on 15 March about intentions to harm at both schools. No evidence of threats materialised, but investigations continued.

This incident underscores heightened vigilance, though unrelated directly to the FoI searches.

What Is the Broader Context of Youth Weapons in UK Schools?

Similar concerns appear nationally; for instance, over 700 children as young as 10 were caught with weapons, including knives and firearms, at London schools in five years, per Evening Standard figures. A 2019 BBC survey of police forces found over 1,000 children with weapons like swords and Tasers. These patterns align with rising youth violence discussions.

StreetDoctors reached over 13,000 young people in 2024 with violence prevention training, doubling prior efforts.

Background of the Development

New protocols for weapons in Cardiff schools and educational settings were implemented in September 2025, introducing hand-held scanners across every school in the region. This followed requests from headteachers for practical guidance on handling suspicions of weapons. The guidelines outline search procedures, requiring reasonable suspicion, presence of two staff, and parental notification. All-Wales resources were later developed based on this model to equip teachers nationwide. The FoI request covering September 2025 to March 2026 provided the first public data on search outcomes under these measures.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Teachers, Pupils, and Parents in Cardiff Schools

This development, revealing weapons in 12 of 19 searches, can lead teachers to heightened vigilance and use of scanners, potentially increasing intervention instances and requiring more multi-agency reviews. Pupils found with weapons face temporary exclusion pending reviews, with welfare checks and support aimed at reintegration, which may disrupt education short-term but provide trauma-informed aid. Parents receive notifications post-search and engagement in reviews, fostering transparency but possibly raising concerns over safety and their child’s involvement. Overall, it reinforces school safety protocols, prompting councils to prioritise prevention while addressing root causes through charities like StreetDoctors.