Scarlett Jenkinson, who was responsible for the tragic murder of Brianna, had a troubled history at school before the incident took place. She was in the process of transferring from Culcheth High School to Birchwood High School due to suspension for bringing cannabis edibles to school and supplying them to another student. However, the transfer was deemed likely to fail as Scarlett was not meeting the set targets.
On February 1, 2023, Birchwood High School contacted Culcheth High School regarding an incident where Scarlett was accused of having cannabis edibles, but no possession was found. Despite attempts to reach Scarlett’s parents, the school was unsuccessful. Culcheth High School had previously stated that any drug-related incidents would cause the transfer to fail.
Before Scarlett’s transfer, the headteacher of Birchwood High School, Emma Mills, met with Scarlett and her mother to address concerns about drug use and the zero-tolerance policy. The schools had difficulty communicating information about Scarlett’s past behavior, and it is uncertain if Birchwood would have still accepted her as a student.
During her time at Birchwood, Scarlett met Brianna and spent some time in the inclusion classroom where Brianna worked one-to-one with a teacher. The school did not see any cause for concern regarding the interaction between the two students, as they were focused on their individual tasks.
There was also a buddy room at Birchwood High School for students with additional needs or anxiety, where Brianna and Scarlett were seen chatting positively. Despite Brianna’s low attendance, the interaction was viewed as a good sign.
The inquest into Brianna’s death will continue, shedding light on the events leading up to the tragic incident. The complexities of school transfers, communication between institutions, and the support provided to students with additional needs are crucial aspects to consider in preventing similar tragedies in the future. It is essential for schools to have clear protocols in place for handling students with behavioral issues and ensuring the safety of all students in their care.
