Police investigating brawl between two teenage girls at St Helena Secondary College in Eltham

A TEEN involved in a violent one-on-one fight on school grounds has been taken to hospital as the Victorian government admits the confrontation is not unique.

POLICE are investigating a lunchtime brawl between two teenage girls as the Victorian government commits millions of dollars to crack down on schoolyard violence.

A 14-year-old girl was taken to hospital after a fight with another teen at St Helena Secondary College at 1.30pm Wednesday, police confirmed on Thursday.

The teens will face disciplinary action, acting principal Anesti Anestis said in a statement, but he did not detail any punishment.

“There is no place for incidents like this at our school,” he said. “It is disappointing and does not reflect the behaviour of our students.”

News of the fight comes on the same day the state government announced an $8.9 million funding boost for public schools to combat an increase in violence and aggressive behaviour on school grounds.

Two girls brawl at St Helena Secondary College in Eltham. One is in hospital.

The ‘protective schools package’ will see the establishment of a new operations centre and reporting system, as well as extra training for principals, teachers and support staff.

The number of minor assaults or aggressive behaviour reported to the Department of Education rose from 1179 in 2016 to 1613 in 2017, although the number of serious incidents declined.

Education Minister James Merlino said the spike is directly related to new reporting requirements and an increased focus on the issue.

He hopes early intervention, rather than strict disciplinary action like expulsion, will put an end to violence in schools.

“We have zero tolerance for violence and aggression in schools,” the minister said.

“But simply moving the child on doesn’t fix the problem.”