ONE of the biggest secondary schools in Wales is preparing to go into lockdown.

But pupils and parents of Prestatyn High School have been told they need not worry as it is only an exercise to test procedures for a real emergency.

All schools have been advised by the Welsh Government to put in place arrangements for a lockdown to protect pupils and staff in the event of incidents such as civil disturbance in the local community, the threat of terrorist action or an intruder on the school site.

Prestatyn High School has 1,800 pupils and 250 staff, and on Monday, November 18 the procedures, which have been explained to parents, will be tested.

Staff and pupils will be required to go to or stay in the nearest classroom which will then be locked. Windows will be closed and phones must be switched to silent mode.

Parents will be kept informed and are asked not to call their children while the incident is occurring.

The school newsletter states: “These procedures are a precaution and are nothing to be alarmed about.

“This rehearsal will allow pupils to become familiar with the procedures as they are different to our fire evacuation procedures.”

Parents have been asked to reassure their children that there is nothing to be concerned about and any questions should be directed to the children’s Head of Year.

Prestatyn High School have implemented a number of things to reduce risk to pupils in school.

These include additional fencing, a new back gate and a change in procedures. An emergency plan is updated each year.