Dear Parents and Carers,
You may have seen recent media coverage referring to an online trend sometimes described as “School
Wars”, in which social media posts encourage confrontation between students from different schools.
Although we do not want to draw unnecessary attention to this, it is important that we keep families fully
informed about any safeguarding-related issues that gain momentum online, to ensure you have accurate
information and clear advice. We kindly ask for your support by helping your child to stay clear of any online
activity.
Images connected to these posts have been shared across various platforms, and while I am not
encouraging anyone to forward or engage with them, I have been provided with copies for awareness. The
aim of this communication is purely to alert you, particularly as some Greenwich schools have been
mentioned. At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest that this has originated from our school community,
and there is currently no specific or credible intelligence to indicate any planned activity involving our
students.
We are working closely with our partner agencies, including the police, who are aware of this situation and
are monitoring it carefully. Additional police presence may be put in place where appropriate. Understandably, this may cause concern for some students and families, and we want to reassure you that
the matter is being taken seriously.
Safeguarding remains our highest priority. LAB staff have a visible presence in the local area at the end of
the academy day, and we will continue to supervise our students as they leave the area at this time. To
ensure your child’s safety, we ask that they go straight home after school and avoid placing themselves in
any situation where there could be a prearrange meeting between different schools.
The LAB values of Respect, Integrity, Ambition, Scholarship, and Resilience permeate everything we do. We
expect our students to remain “LAB Learners” even after they pass through the school gates. Please remind
your child that their behavior in the community should reflect these values, and that involvement in any
disturbance could lead to potential police consequences.
The police have asked that if you or your child becomes aware of any information that may assist the
police, please report it by calling 101 or submitting information online. When doing so, quote Operation
Cedarfield. In the event of an emergency, always call 999.
Key points to share with your child:
● Do not forward or share any of the circulating messages; doing so may be considered incitement.
● Do not participate in any activities linked to these posts.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and support in helping us keep our school community safe.
Best wishes
E Smith
Principal