A Rochdale secondary school was evacuated on Friday morning after staff received a communication containing a possible bomb threat.

Staff at St Cuthbert’s RC High School in Rochdale received the communication earlier on Friday, October 16, 2026.

Emergency services were called and all school buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

The school said all pupils and staff were safe and accounted for and had been moved to a safe distance.

Greater Manchester Police attended the school and parents and carers were notified.

The school said there was no threat or danger to anyone present, while specialist security personnel are due to carry out a full sweep of the buildings this afternoon.

Parents and carers have been permitted to attend the school to collect their children, or provide consent for them to make their own way home.

Police attend after bomb threat

St Cuthbert’s said it currently expects to reopen as normal on Monday, October 19, although further information will be provided if circumstances change.

The school also urged parents and members of the public not to speculate on social media, particularly following reports of intruders or weapons being present at the school.

A statement said: “All children and staff are safe and accounted for, in line with our established procedures.”

The school added that the safety and wellbeing of pupils remained its “absolute priority”.

Further details are expected following discussions between the school, Greater Manchester Police and Rochdale Borough Council.