A teenage girl has been charged following a disturbance that triggered a lockdown at Haberdashers’...

Published: 2:00 am August 21, 2025
Updated: 11:24 am October 13, 2025
Girl charged after vice-principal assaulted during school lockdown in Bromley

A teenage girl has been charged following a disturbance that triggered a lockdown at Haberdashers’ Knights Academy in Bromley earlier this year.

Police were called to the school grounds on May 16 after three pupils from another school entered the site without permission. Officers spoke with the girls involved and, as a precaution, staff implemented the school’s lockdown procedure.

The Crown Prosecution Service has now confirmed that one of the girls, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with common assault against Charlene Ponteen, vice-principal of Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South.

She also faces a charge of possessing a sharply pointed article on school premises. It is alleged that on May 15, the day before the lockdown, she had in her possession a hairbrush with a pointed end.

The girl is expected to appear before Bromley Magistrates’ Court later this week.

Parents reassured

Following the incident, parents at the Knights Academy received a letter from the school, reassuring them that pupils had remained safe at all times.

The letter explained:

Ongoing investigation

Police enquiries into the wider circumstances of the incident are continuing.

Anyone with further concerns has been asked to contact the school directly.

We are your go-to destination for breaking UK news, real-life stories from communities across the country, striking images, and must-see video from the heart of the action.

Follow us on Facebook at for the latest updates and developing stories, and stay connected on X (Twitter) the for live coverage as news breaks across the UK.

SIGN UP NOW FOR YOUR FREE DAILY BREAKING NEWS AND PICTURES NEWSLETTER

Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

YOU MIGHT LIKE