KEY POINTS:
A serious attack on a girl by other pupils in the grounds of a high school has police warning such incidents are becoming increasingly common.
The attack, on Tuesday afternoon, ended with the 16-year-old victim being taken to hospital.
Three fellow pupils of Blenheim's Marlborough Girls' College, all 15, are now facing the serious charge of assault with intent to injure and will appear in the Youth Court next week.
Their names cannot be published because of their ages. The victim has recovered and is back at school, while the three girls charged are suspended.
Police became involved after a call from the victim's mother. They know the circumstances that led to the attack, but will not divulge them.
Weapons were not involved.
While fights on school grounds are nothing new, police are concerned about the serious nature of this attack, and others like it elsewhere.
"It's certainly not a common occurrence, but in saying that, this sort of thing is happening a little bit more through most schools in New Zealand," said Constable Michelle Stagg, of the Blenheim police.
College principal Karen Stewart said the attack was being viewed very seriously.
Discipline issues were being worked through, and "support and guidance" was being offered to the girls involved.
"We are a reflection of what is happening in the community. And we take everybody in our community," Ms Stewart said.
"We are really committed to making the school a safe and really positive environment for all our students."
