RISK Metal Detectors has donated a RISK P1 Portable Knife Arch to the Caroline Willgoose campaign, bolstering efforts to bring knife-detecting arches into every school across the UK. The gift marks a significant step in the campaign’s push for preventative safety measures in schools.
Caroline Willgoose — who has become a leading voice in the fight against knife crime following the tragic death of her 15-year-old son, Harvey Willgoose — hailed the donation as “a powerful moment.” She has long campaigned for metal-detector arches in schools as a proactive deterrent to weapons entering educational settings.
Harvey was fatally stabbed at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield earlier this year. In the aftermath, his parents launched a foundation and national campaign to push for stronger safeguards in schools. The first of these knife arches has now been installed at Penistone Grammar School in South Yorkshire, making this the pilot scheme for the broader vision. Schools receiving the arch stress it is a portable, non-intrusive measure — intended as a visible act of deterrence rather than an indication of an existing problem.
At the unveiling event, Mrs Willgoose expressed hope that other institutions would follow suit. “I feel like things are moving now. People are listening to us … they need to step up and get these in place.”, she told ITV News
Penistone Grammar’s leadership noted that while no weapon incident had been recorded at the school, they were honoured to support the campaign’s broader mission.
By donating the RISK P1 Portable Knife Arch, RISK Metal Detectors has enabled the campaign to move from advocacy to action. The P1 is designed to be set up easily, used in multiple locations, and handled sensitively in settings such as schools. This flexibility is ideal for a roll-out model across various institutions.
By donating the RISK P1 Portable Knife Arch, RISK Metal Detectors has enabled the campaign to move from advocacy to action. The P1 is designed to be set up easily, used in multiple locations, and handled sensitively in settings such as schools. This flexibility is ideal for a roll-out model across various institutions.
Caroline Willgoose has stated that the Penistone installation is just the beginning. Her goal remains ambitious: a knife arch in every school, alongside education, deterrence, and early intervention. As more schools come on board, the prospect of visual deterrents and active screening may shift the national conversation on school safety.
Meanwhile, media outlets have widely covered the story:
- ITV carried a piece on the arch’s arrival and the Willgoose family’s reaction. (ITVX)
- Hello Rayo ran a story on the knife arch’s unveiling in memory of Harvey. (Radio Hits South Yorkshire)
- The Star reported on Mrs Willgoose’s emotional response and the school’s adoption of the equipment. (The Star)
- The Barnsley Chronicle also covered the family’s donation of a knife arch to a local school. (Barnsley Chronicle)
- And the Mirror published a heartfelt feature on the background and campaign ambitions. (Mirror)
