TEACHERS have praised young pupils for acting "safely and sensibly" after they were evacuated from their school due to a bomb threat.

Police officers were on the scene at St Helena School, in Sheepan Road, this morning after a threatening phone call was made to school staff.

After a bomb threat was reported, staff evacuated pupils to the nearby Colchester Institute.

Pupils were housed on the Institute grounds while school staff awaited further advice from Essex Police, with officers on the scene throughout the morning.

In a message to parents, headteacher Fiona Pierson said: "Following advice from Essex Police, we have evacuated our school site to Colchester Institute.

"We are currently housing students on the Institute grounds and awaiting further advise from Essex Police, who are currently at the scene.

"I would like to reassure you that all students are safe and are being looked after within the grounds of Colchester Institute."

Gazette: Headteacher Fiona PiersonHeadteacher Fiona Pierson (Image: Newsquest)

An Essex Police spokesman said officers were called out to concerns over "a threatening phone call made to a member of staff".

He added: "The school followed the correct protocols to ensure the safety of pupils.

"Officers attended and no threat or risk has been identified."

Speaking to the Gazette after the incident, a St Helena School spokesman said: "We can confirm the school was evacuated just after 10.30am after we received a bomb threat via a phone call to the school.

"Following advice from Essex Police, we evacuated our school site to Colchester Institute until we were told that it was safe to return to the school buildings at around midday.

"We would like to thank the police officers who attended as well as staff at Colchester Institute for their support.

"We would also like to thank students who acted sensibly and safely throughout."