Statement from Benfield School
Date: 28th January 2025
The police have now left the school and have declared our site safe and ready to open to all pupils tomorrow (Wednesday 29th January 2025).
For further information please refer to the press releases from the Benfield School, police and local authority – see below.
Thank you again to all our pupils and staff for working together to keep everyone safe.
We are incredibly proud of how well everyone in our community responded.
Benfield Response:
Benfield School has announced an unexpected closure today following a health and safety incident. Working in collaboration with Northumbria Police, the school promptly informed all parents about the closure on Tuesday, 28th January.
Headteacher, Mr Martin, said: “Following a health and safety incident and working in collaboration with Northumbria Police, we took the decision to inform all parents that Benfield School would need to close for Tuesday, 28th January.
We apologise for any inconvenience and disruption caused. I’m incredibly proud of the cooperation and support from staff, pupils, and parents.
Safeguarding and the welfare of our staff and pupils is paramount. The issue has been resolved and the school will reopen tomorrow – learning will resume as normal.”
Police Response:
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At around 7.50am today (Tuesday), we received a report of malicious communications directed towards a school on Benfield Road in Walkergate, Newcastle. It is understood an email was received overnight.
“Officers are currently in attendance to carry out enquiries and offer reassurance to the public. In collaboration with the school, a decision was made to evacuate the premises as a precaution”.
Newcastle City Council Response:
A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware that Benfield School has taken the decision to close today following discussions with emergency services and we support their decision.
We would encourage parents and carers to monitor the school’s usual channels for updates”.