The region recorded 16 serious incidents, which included assault, drugs, threats and weapons, during term one and 12 during term two.

The data, from a report released by the Department of Education and Training, shows the region’s schools have consistently reported a low

number of incidents since 2005, with figures almost halved since 2006.

Assaults make up the majority of incidents, with six reported in term one and five incidents (followed by threats) reported during term two.

In 2008, the region recorded 13 incidents during term one, 12 in term two, 10 in term three and six in term four.

It compares to a spike in term one of 2007, when assaults climbed to 14, bringing the total number of incidents to 28.

The figures place the New England area among the safest in the state, with some of the lowest levels of violence, drugs and other criminal activity.

It compares favourably to the Hunter/Central Coast region, which had a total of 44 incidents during term one and 37 during term two.

Of those, 29 were assaults, 16 involved weapons and 17 were listed as “other”.

The School Safety and Response Unit is available to assist principals 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Senior police and education officers in the unit can provide immediate support and advice on the management of any school-related incident involving violence, weapons, illegal drugs and other criminal activity.

The vast majority of public schools across NSW reported no incidents during terms one and two, 2009.

Of the 300 schools that reported incidents during the first six months of the year, 186 reported only one incident and 62 reported two incidents.

A total of 52 reported three or more incidents during the same period.

A spokesperson for the department said the statistics for the region were encouraging.