Two primary schools in North London have been rocked by a series of late-night vandalism incidents, leaving over 40 windows shattered and damage costs now exceeding £200,000.
Brunswick Park Primary and Nursery School has suffered four separate attacks, while nearby Church Hill Primary School has been targeted twice—the latest just this past Sunday night.
The culprits, believed to be two teenage boys, were captured on CCTV. One carried out the destruction using stones and a hammer, while the other stood as a lookout. Both wore balaclavas to obscure their faces.
Despite security guards and even a patrol dog stationed on-site, the latest incident still unfolded with shocking boldness.
The aftermath has been grim. Children are now learning in classrooms boarded up with plywood. Staff and parents are rattled. The mood in the community is tense.
“There have been six acts of very significant vandalism. It’s upsetting for the staff and it’s horribly upsetting for the children and our local community. There is a feeling of unrest now,” said Jo Porter, head of school at Church Hill in Burlington Rise, East Barnet.
Despite the increased security, damage continues. A feeling of helplessness looms. The financial toll is steep:
- £110,000 per school for security patrols this year
- £8,000 for updated monitoring systems
- £15,000 for lighting and surveillance cameras
That’s in addition to the repair costs:
- The first incident at Church Hill cost £57,000
- The second racked up another £42,000
Insurance is covering these, for now. But any further damage under £50,000 won’t be eligible.
“We are incredibly proud of our schools. To have people damage them like this is heartbreaking,” added Miss Porter.
She confirmed Brunswick Park hasn’t been hit again recently but said there’s still no confirmation that the same individuals are behind all the attacks.
Parents have rallied and set up a JustGiving page, which has raised over £2,200 so far.
Umut Esmer, who launched the fundraiser, shared: “Like you, I have been shocked, but also saddened to hear what has happened over the Easter Holiday. Such an act of vandalism is sure to stretch the school’s budget, at a time when every school is already under financial pressure.”
Miss Porter has urged families not to take matters into their own hands: “What we absolutely don’t want is anybody taking any kind of vigilante role. We have got the police taking it really seriously and the safer neighbourhood team is patrolling.”
Both schools are run by Barnet Council and funded by local authority budgets. Now, funds meant for learning are being redirected toward security.
Miss Porter warned: “Inevitably what this means is that we will have to use some of the money that would normally be used for the curriculum and schooling for security. Some of the amazing extracurricular activities and trips may not be able to happen.”
Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson condemned the attacks: “Schools are cornerstones of our communities and should be safe spaces where children thrive and feel secure. As the local MP, I will not tolerate any form of behaviour that threatens this.”
“I am very proud of Barnet’s schools, and I want to assure all residents that I am working alongside the police and both schools to ensure this mindless vandalism does not continue.”
The Metropolitan Police are actively investigating. Scotland Yard has been contacted for an official comment.
