AIRPORT-style security checks could be introduced into schools to stop youngsters bringing in lethal weapons.

Pupils would have their bags searched and metal detectors could even be used in a bid to cut the number of dangerous items carried by pupils.

The drastic measure is being proposed by the National Association of Schoolmasters and the Union of Women Teachers, which wants to see a zero tolerance approach to cope with the rising tide of violence in classrooms.

Southampton's schools' boss has refused to rule out the move being introduced in Southampton.

Southampton teacher and union representative Ron Clooney said: "It's a sad indictment of our society but the situation is going to get worse if we don't do something."

His call comes just months after the Daily Echo revealed an appalling collection of weapons seized from pupils by teachers in Southampton in the past year.

Items included ballbearing guns, hunting knives and martial arts weapons, a makeshift mallet and a knife.

The union is also calling for pupils found carrying offensive weapons to be expelled for good. Mr Clooney said: "Pupils with weapons should be permanently excluded.

"If we cannot guarantee the safety of parents and pupils then schools should adopt airport-style security measures."

Southampton's schools' boss Ian Sandbrook said security checks might become necessary if there was an upsurge in the number of dangerous weapons being brought into schools.

He said: "Never say never.

"If there was a situation where it seemed appropriate to frisk children then it might be appropriate as long as it was done in line with their rights.

"Schools are not predominantly violent.

"In a relatively violent society, schools are not."

The union's call came just weeks after the Daily Echo revealed how an 11-year-old boy was found with ten shot-gun cartridges in his pencil case at Hardley School, Holbury.

In February Cantell School in Southampton had to be evacuated after a pupil set off an emergency flare in class.

Southampton City Council is currently drawing up a behaviour statement offering new guidelines to schools.

A behaviour task group is also carrying out a review of all the different types of support available to pupils and teachers.

In July, Hampshire County Council's education chiefs distributed new forms for schools to record incidents where weapons were used.