RIDGEWAY School failed to protect Henry Webster, his angry mother has claimed.

Speaking outside Bristol Crown Court after the convictions were made public yesterday, Liz Webster, 43, accused the school of making no "efforts to assist" her family after the "wholly avoidable" assault.

Joined by partner Roger Durnford and Det Sgt Mark Wilkinson, she said Ridgeway School should have been a safe, secure environment.

She said: "On January 11 last year a gang strutted into the Ridgeway School and almost killed my 15-year-old son by repeatedly striking his head with a hammer.

"The events of that day propelled us into a terrifying and traumatic world and our lives have now been changed forever.

"This attack was not an isolated incident, it was a culmination of events. This hideous crime which has touched and affected so many young lives was wholly avoidable.

"That school has at no time made any efforts to assist us and my son's life and future prospects have been devastated.

"No parent should have to endure the heartache of their child being subjected to such horrifying violence whilst at school - in what should be an entirely safe and secure environment.

"And no child should have to experience any of the utter terror and pain my son suffered on what should have been an ordinary day in the protective surroundings of school.

"It has been an incredibly challenging year especially for our wonderful son, Henry, who has inspired us all with his amazing strength and courage.

"Since his birth, Henry has always been a very sweet-natured, sensitive, kind, generous, thoughtful boy - a real gentle giant."

In the last week the Advertiser has made no less than 20 attempts to contact Ridgeway School about Mrs Webster's allegations.

Despite numerous visits to the school, phone calls and emails nobody from the school has responded.

Headteacher Steve Colledge and chairman of the school's governors Peter Lay have not replied to messages left on their mobile, home and office telephone numbers.

We have also emailed Mr Colledge a full list of these accusations and others made by Liz Webster, but he has declined to comment.

If the Ridgeway School chooses to respond to the allegations, the Advertiser will happily publish their comments.