Key Points
- 15‑year‑old boy charged with attempted murder
- Teacher stabbed in classroom at Bolton school
- Victim remains in hospital in stable condition
- Greater Manchester Police investigating knife attack
- Youth court appearance under strict reporting restrictions
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 7, 2026 – A 15‑year‑old schoolboy has appeared in court accused of attempted murder after a teacher was stabbed in a classroom at a secondary school in Bolton, Greater Manchester, in an incident that has prompted an urgent police investigation and renewed debate over knife‑carrying among teenagers.
As reported by Sarah Thompson of Bolton Today, the attack took place during a lesson at the unnamed school on Thursday, February 5, 2026, when the teenager allegedly produced a knife and attacked the teacher, causing serious injuries before being restrained by staff and police. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that officers were called shortly after 11:30 a.m. and found the teacher with multiple stab wounds inside the classroom.
The teacher, whose identity has not been released for legal and safety reasons, was rushed to Bolton Royal Hospital by air ambulance and remains in a stable but serious condition, according to a statement read out by Det Ch Insp Emma Hartley of GMP’s Serious Crime Unit.
“This was a shocking and distressing incident that took place in a place where children and staff should feel safe,” she said.
“We are working closely with the school, the local authority and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that justice is done.”
The 15‑year‑old suspect was arrested at the scene and taken into custody, where he was questioned by detectives before being charged with attempted murder and remanded in custody. Under UK law, suspects under the age of 18 charged with serious offences such as attempted murder are typically dealt with in youth court, with strict reporting restrictions designed to protect their identity and welfare.
How did the attack unfold in the classroom?
According to Jake Morris, who reported on the case for The Bolton News, the incident began when the teacher was delivering a lesson to a mixed‑ability Year 10 group in a ground‑floor classroom. Eyewitness accounts gathered by Morris describe the boy suddenly standing up, producing a knife from his bag, and lunging at the teacher.
As reported by Emma Davies of Manchester Evening News, the school’s headteacher, Dr Alison Carter, addressed staff and parents later that afternoon via email and a brief statement to local media.
What did the police say about the stabbing?
In a press briefing held outside Bolton Police Station on the evening of February 5, Det Ch Insp Emma Hartley outlined the early findings of the investigation. Hartley added that forensic teams had spent several hours at the school examining the classroom and surrounding areas, seizing the knife and other items as part of the evidence‑gathering process.
Greater Manchester Police also confirmed that no other pupils or staff were physically injured, although several were treated for shock and referred to the school’s counselling services. The 15‑year‑old appeared at Bolton Youth Court on Friday, February 6, 2026, where he was formally charged with attempted murder and remanded in custody until his next hearing, scheduled for February 20, 2026, at Manchester Crown Court.
As reported by Rachel Booth of BBC North West Tonight, reporting restrictions prevent the publication of the boy’s name, address, school or any details that could lead to his identification, in line with the Children and Young Persons Act 1933.
Booth also noted that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed it will review the case ahead of the next hearing to determine whether any additional charges should be brought.
In the hours following the attack, Bolton Council issued a statement expressing its concern for the teacher’s recovery and the wider school community. “Our thoughts are with the teacher and their family, and with the pupils and staff at the school who have been deeply affected by this incident,” said Councillor Lisa Taylor, the council’s cabinet member for education. “We are working with the school, police and health services to ensure that appropriate support is in place.”
How has the school and community reacted?
Parents of pupils at the school told Sarah Thompson of Bolton Today that they were “shocked and frightened” by the news. Local community leaders have also called for a broader discussion about knife crime among young people and the pressures facing teenagers in the town.
The stabbing has reignited concerns about knife‑carrying in schools and the effectiveness of current safeguarding measures. As reported by Emma Davies of Manchester Evening News, Greater Manchester Police have pledged to increase patrols around schools in the area and to work with headteachers to review security procedures.
Education experts have also weighed in on the incident. Professor Helen Grant, a criminologist at the University of Manchester, told The Bolton News that such attacks, while rare, highlight the need for early intervention and mental health support for young people. Meanwhile, national politicians have called for tougher action on knife crime. Labour MP for Bolton South East, Yasmin Qureshi, told BBC North West Tonight that the incident was a “wake‑up call” for the government.
What happens next in the legal process?
The case will now proceed through the youth justice system, with the next key date being the pre‑trial hearing at Manchester Crown Court on February 20, 2026. At that stage, the judge will consider bail applications, legal arguments and the readiness of the prosecution and defence before setting a trial date, which is expected to take place later in the year.
As reported by Rachel Booth of BBC North West Tonight, the trial is likely to be held in open court, but reporting restrictions may still apply to protect the identity of the accused and any child witnesses. For now, the focus remains on the teacher’s recovery and the emotional wellbeing of the school community.