students thinking about continuing the violence of the summer when they return to school will be dealt with severely.

Older members of the so-called gangs said last week that they feared fighting could erupt again when the younger members return to school on Monday.

A ZBM report on Friday claimed teachers at the school wanted increased security when students return, but Ms Richards said none of the teachers had expressed any of these concerns to her.

She said she had not made any special plans to deal with the possibility of students from rival groups fighting once again.

She told The Royal Gazette : "I expect them to come to school to do what they are supposed to do. If they want to act up they will be dealt with severely.

"We have no tolerance of children wanting to act up. The business is learning and I expect them to come here to work hard and do what they have to do.

"Fighting will not be tolerated and they will not be allowed to disrupt our environment without there being consequences.

"They have know me for a year now and know I have zero tolerance of disruption so they know what to expect.'' Mrs Richards said the school would suspend unruly children if necessary, even though it would interrupt their education.