Students are accustomed to regular practice events like fire drills and their maturity and community spirit is consistently excellent in these events. In line with guidance from the Department for Education, we are planning to run a school lockdown (also referred to as invacuation) drill. This is planned to take place during the week beginning 8th July.

Schools are recommended to practise this kind of drill to prepare students to know what to do in the unlikely event that it becomes unsafe to go outside at any point during the school day. In order to reassure students and give clarity about the purpose of lockdown drills and to share expectations, we will be preparing this week by letting students know in assemblies. The day before the drill, we will also use a tutor time session to run through everything that students can expect to happen. Students will be given opportunities to ask any questions or share concerns. We will also work in advance with individual students who may need more help and support.

The drill itself is likely to last a short time, where students will be asked to go indoors and remain quietly inside their classroom or teaching space, supervised by members of staff who will be there to guide them through the process. Where it is possible, safe and practical, students will be asked to remain out of sight, for example, by sitting under a table.

Thank you for your support as we work together to support the highest levels of safety and wellbeing. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Year team if you have any questions or concerns.

Yours faithfully

Dan Wendon
Headteacher