Coquet Community School in Amble reopened on October 19.
Coquet Community School in Amble, Northumberland, was evacuated on October 16, 2026, after police received a report of a malicious communication
that prompted a precautionary closure. The incident occurred just hours before the school’s official opening, which had been part of a £47m investment in the Coquet Partnership. Northumbria Police, an ambulance crew, and two hazardous area response teams attended the scene, conducting a thorough search of the premises. The school’s headteacher, James Andriot, confirmed all pupils and staff were safe and well, with the evacuation described as a “precaution” due to a potential safety threat.
Evacuation and Immediate Response
Parents described the scene as absolute chaos. One parent, who collected their child from the school, told ChronicleLive: When I got up there it was absolute chaos.
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) was called to the school and stood down by 4 p.m. after supporting police operations.
Police Investigation and Public Safety
The school’s management advised families to contact the institution via its redirected phone line for updates. Pupils were collected from the old JCSC carpark, with staff available to assist. The headteacher acknowledged the challenges of managing the sudden closure but stressed the importance of prioritizing safety. Clearly the safety of everyone at school is our absolute priority,
he said.
Northumbria Police confirmed they were called to an incident in Amble on Friday 16 October at 10.49am, dispatching one ambulance crew, two HART crews (Hazardous Area Response Team), one duty officer and three senior officers. The force stood down at 4pm by police. A statement from the school noted the evacuation was initiated after a threat had been made against the school,
though no evidence of concern was found. The incident occurred during the school’s brand new period of operation, following its September 23 opening.
Councillor Renner-Thompson reiterated the council’s commitment to school safety, stating, Our children deserve to feel safe at school,
and called for accountability. The school’s new building, part of a £47m investment, was intended to host its official opening on October 16, a ceremony due to take place that afternoon. The headteacher praised staff and police for their response, adding, I must also thank my colleagues who acted professionally, calmly and they put the safety of the pupils first.
>