Auckland NZPA Feb 25 - A Northland secondary school will decide in the next two weeks what punishment to hand down to a boy who attacked a fellow pupil smashing his skull .

The Whangarei Boys' High School year 10 student was immediately suspended after the assault as the pair were entering a class to sit a test yesterday morning.

The 14-year-old victim remains in Whangarei Hospital with a fractured skull, broken nose and concussion.

Headmaster Al Kirk told NZPA the attack was completely out of the blue.

"The kids were just coming in at the start of the period and were just starting to get themselves organised when this happened. It was random and unbelievable. There was no rhyme nor reason."

He said the fist attack was over quickly and not sustained.

Mr Kirk said he would be visiting the victim in hospital this afternoon.

He said the school board would meet within the next seven school days to decide the fate of the alleged attacker.

The boy could either be allowed back unconditionally, allowed back under a contract, have his suspension extended, or be expelled from the school.

Police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said the investigation was continuing and no decision about possible charges had been made.

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