Pupils have returned to school at Cults academy for the first time since the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Bailey Gwynne during last Wednesday’s lunch-hour.
On a golden autumn morning in the leafy suburb to the west of Aberdeen, students returning on Monday were greeted at the school entrance by the headteacher, Anna Muirhead, and senior prefects.
Special assemblies were held for pupils to allow discussion of last week’s events and inform students of the support available to them over the coming weeks and months. Normal classes then resumed.
On Sunday evening, young people from the school had retweeted reassurances to one other that they did not have to talk to media assembled outside the school.
The flowers and other tributes laid outside the school gates by Cults pupils, as well as peers from nearby schools, have been moved to the academy’s private courtyard garden so students can view them and pay their respects. A book of remembrance has also been opened.
A 16-year-old boy appeared at Aberdeen sheriff court on Friday charged with murdering Bailey. The teenager, who did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody, was also charged with carrying a knife and another offensive weapon. He will next appear at a committal hearing on 6 November.
Police were called to Cults academy in the west of the city at 1.30pm last Wednesday after reports of a serious incident. Bailey was taken by ambulance to Aberdeen Royal infirmary, where he died from his injuries.
Gayle Gorman, the director of education and children services at Aberdeen city council, described the mood at the school as “calm, settled and reflective”.
“There have been a number of assemblies, where we have spoken to the students about their feelings, allowed them to reflect and explained how we will support them across this week and the weeks and months ahead,” she said.
“Counselling services continue to be available for both pupils and staff on site and a range of support teams are available as required.”
Gorman thanked all those who had written and emailed the school to express their support. “Many, many messages have been received from across the UK and beyond and we would like to express our thanks to all who have offered support and condolences to the staff and pupils,” she added.
With 1,000 pupils aged from 11 to 18, Cults academy is the largest state school in the city and also one of the best performing.
On Sunday, Rev Ewen Gilchrist, who led a vigil for the murdered schoolboy last Thursday evening, talked to the regular church congregation about forgiveness. He said later: “When the media circus leaves town there are two households which simply do not know what the future contains for them. One lost a beloved son and the other faces a very uncertain future. Both households are deserving of prayers from Christian communities.”
