St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic High School in Rochdale was placed in lockdown and all buildings evacuated on Friday morning (October 16) after receiving a bomb threat. The school on Shaw Road entered the lockdown as a precautionary measure following the call.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) attended the secondary school. Officers said the call was likely a hoax. A school spokesperson confirmed that all children and staff are safe and accounted for.
School closed for the day
St Cuthbert's has closed for the day, with parents allowed to collect their children. The school is expected to open as normal on Monday (October 19).
In a full statement, the school spokesperson said: "Earlier this morning (Friday 16 October 2026), staff at St Cuthbert’s RC Secondary School in Rochdale received a communication detailing a possible bomb threat to the premises.
"The emergency services were called and all school buildings were evacuated as a precautionary measure. All children and staff are safe and accounted for, in line with our established procedures.
"Greater Manchester Police attended and parents and carers were notified immediately that their children had been removed to a safe distance and there was no threat or danger to anyone present."
Police investigate hoax call
Specialist security operatives will conduct a full sweep of the building that afternoon to confirm if any further actions are required. The school urged people to avoid speculation on social media regarding false rumours of intruders or weapons being found on school grounds.
A GMP spokesperson said: "The school implemented a lockdown in response to a suspicious call. Officers attended and carried out an assessment which indicated that the call was a likely hoax." Officers are investigating the circumstances of the call.
