An incident at John Cabot Academy (JCA) lead to pupils at a Bristol secondary being put 'into lockdown' for half an hour yesterday (Thursday, June 23). The Kingswood school was reportedly locked down around mid-day after leaders at the academy sounded the alarm.
Claims on social media suggested that teachers were 'hiding under their desks'. But school leaders have said no one was ever at risk, and no weapons were used.
Here's what we know so far:
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Why did the alarm go?
At around midday (June 24), JCA became aware of a situation relating to a student and as a safety measure, the alarm was pushed.
Was anyone hurt?
The school has said there was no risk and no one was hurt as 'procedures were followed' to quickly regain order of the situation.
Were weapons involved?
Senior operations manager Jane Day said, contrary to posts on social media, no weapons were involved in the incident.
How long did the lockdown last?
Approximately 30 mins before the school returned back to its normal routine.
What has the school said?
Senior operations manager Jane Day said that students have practised lockdown drills before - just like a fire drill - and their response was 'exemplary'.
"At approximately midday today, we became aware of a situation relating to an individual JCA student," she said. "As a result and to ensure the safety of that student and everyone else on site, we started the lockdown alarm so that nobody was moving around the academy. Established procedures were followed and additional support obtained to bring the situation to a speedy conclusion with no risk to anyone involved.
"The period of lockdown lasted approximately 30 mins, after which everyone in school returned to their normal timetable. Contrary to some reports on social media no weapons were involved. Lockdown is a standard part of all schools’ practice (like practising for a fire alarm), and like a real fire, actual danger is rare in schools.
"At JCA on this occasion all staff responded extremely professionally and the students’ behaviour was exemplary, in line with the lockdown rules that we have practised in our drills. In tutor time this afternoon, students will be given the opportunity to discuss the experience and provide feedback, in line with standard practice."
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