Report finds school failings before boy's murder

A report examining the events that led to the murder of a pupil at a school in Sheffield has highlighted several safeguarding shortfalls.

Harvey Willgoose, 15, was fatally stabbed by Mohammed Umar Khan, 15, during lunch break at All Saints Catholic High School on 3 February.

According to the trust which runs the school, external investigators had concluded that changes needed to be made in the light of Harvey's killing, including how the school recorded knife-related incidents. Meanwhile it must also enhance staff training on searching pupils.

Steve Davies, CEO of St Clare Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said "a number of robust measures" had already been implemented and more would follow.

Khan was in Year Nine when he killed Harvey, who was his former friend, after the two teenagers had quarrelled over social media in the days beforehand.

A trial at Sheffield Crown Court last year heard Khan had previously taken a knife to school and that his mother had found an axe in his bag in December 2024.

The court heard there had been evidence of physical and emotional abuse and neglect in Khan's life.

The teenager, who had no previous convictions, was detained for life in October, with a minimum term of 16 years.

The trust said that the independent report it had commissioned, which was undertaken by Learn Sheffield, had recommended a clear, consistent policy setting out how the school must respond when there was an incident involving a knife, or a report that a pupil could have a knife on or off site.

School leaders should ensure that systems clearly captured weapon-related incidents, that staff knew how to report them and that logs were routinely reviewed, the report stated.

Meanwhile, it recommended the trust should commission a full external safeguarding audit.

Davies said: "It is clear that the report identifies areas for improvement, including in relation to our processes, information sharing and training.

"We are engaging with an external safeguarding expert to advise on how we can implement the recommendations across the school and, where appropriate, the trust as a whole."

Regular meetings were now taking place, solely focused on specific safeguarding matters in relation to violence, according to the trust.

Information sharing when pupils moved between schools had been strengthened and the system in place to record knife-related incidents had been reviewed, a spokesperson said.

Staff training on searching and confiscation had been updated, and a new follow‑up system with a six-week safety plan had been introduced.

A new two‑step process to follow up social care referrals had also been launched, with any lack of response escalated to a senior manager to ensure action was taken, the spokesperson added.

A range of additional actions had been taken, including the introduction of a new anonymous reporting tool for students, parents and staff, and the use of handheld metal detectors.

The trust said it hoped the report could contribute to a wider discussion within the education sector.

"Above all else, as we approach Harvey's anniversary, we remember his fun-loving and kind personality and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones," Davies said.

Learn Sheffield confirmed its investigation had concluded, but said it would not be appropriate to comment on the findings.

Members of Harvey's family said they would comment on the report on Tuesday, the anniversary of his death.

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