Amble school evacuated and pupils sent home after safety threat

The incident at Coquet Community School in Amble came on the same day as a planned official opening.

Pupils and staff were initially moved to the old sports hall of the former James Calvert Spence College after the alarm was raised around 9am on Friday.

Northumbria Police, an ambulance crew and two hazardous area response crews were sent to the school.

A search of the site found nothing of concern and all pupils and staff were safe and well.

Headteacher James Andriot said: “Firstly I would like to thank all our young people who acted with great maturity and calmness after we took the decision to evacuate the new building and subsequently close the school for the remainder of the day. I would also like to apologise for the disruption caused to pupils, parents and carers but you will understand safety has to be our absolute priority.

“Northumbria Police spent much of the day on site and following a thorough search, nothing of concern was found. I am pleased to say school will resume as normal on Monday (19th October) and I look forward to welcoming pupils back.

“I must also thank my colleagues who acted professionally, calmly and they put the safety of the pupils first.

“I appreciate this incident may have caused you and your children to be worried. If you have any concerns, please contact the school in the usual way.”

The new school opened on September 23 as part of a £47m investment in the Coquet Partnership.

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member for children and young people, posted: “I was deeply concerned to hear about the incident at Coquet Community School in Amble this morning, and I'm enormously relieved that all pupils and staff are safe and well.

“I've been kept up to date with the situation throughout the day and want to thank the headteacher Mr Andriot, school staff and Northumbria Police for their swift and professional response.

“I was due to attend the official opening of the fantastic new school building this afternoon. It should have been a day of celebration for pupils, staff and the wider community, recognising the investment we've made in education in Amble.

“Instead, children, parents and staff have been put through an extremely worrying and distressing experience.

“Northumberland County Council take any threat involving our schools extremely seriously. There is absolutely no excuse for behaviour that causes this level of fear and disruption, and I hope those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

“Our children deserve to feel safe at school, and I look forward to returning to celebrate the opening of this wonderful new building.”