NSW principal bashed by teen with stake

A teenage boy who allegedly bashed the principal of a school in western NSW had earlier sought enrolment, the NSW Department of Education says.

Andrew Ryder, the head of Bourke High School, was allegedly attacked by the 13-year-old with a wooden garden stake at the school's front gate on Tuesday afternoon, police say.

Staff had to intervene to protect Mr Ryder, who suffered cuts and bruises on his forearms and back.

The department on Wednesday commended the actions of both Mr Ryder and staff who sought to "defuse the situation".

"Violence and such behaviour is not tolerated in public schools and if it occurs police will be informed and schools will co-operate fully with their recommendations," a spokesman said in a written statement.

The boy has been charged and will face a children's court on Wednesday.

The department would not say whether Mr Ryder had returned to work.