Leavers' assembly cancelled after teacher hit by stink bomb

Approximately 230 Year 11 students were sent home after the culprit refused to identify themselves.

The assembly, where staff celebrate the pupils’ time at Worthing High School, was suspended at 11.50am today, leaving many students angry and upset.

Headteacher Carolyn Dickinson said that it was ‘very disappointing’ but staff safety was her top concern.

She said: “At the beginning of the assembly a stink bomb was thrown and hit a member of staff in the chest.

“We said to the students that they could have 20 minutes for the culprit to take responsibility or for someone to identify them and the assembly could continue.

“That didn’t happen and I wasn’t prepared to take the risk of another staff member being hit, so I took the decision to suspend the assembly.

“It’s very disappointing for students and for staff. It’s usually an excellent occaision that everyone enjoys and it’s been ruined for many by a very small number of students, maybe one.”

Carolyn assured that students studying for their exams wouldn’t be affected, as there were none scheduled for today, and students were eventually dismissed at 12.15, five minutes before the assembly was due to finish.

Pupils were given the chance to sign each other’s shirts before leaving the school grounds.

The content of the assembly will be shown at the Year 11 prom on July 1, held at the Hilton Metropole in Brighton.

If the culrpit is discovered, their invitation to the prom will be cancelled.