PARENTS are urging a school to review its safety procedures after a teenage intruder forced it into lockdown.

Students of The Sholing Technology College were locked in classrooms when the 13-year-old girl gained access to the school site without permission.

School bosses said the girl, who was not a student, was "quickly apprehended" by staff.

However, parents have now spoken out against the college's lockdown policy after some students were left inside classrooms and others taken outside.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Daily Echo: "It's not the school's policy for children to go outside when there is an intruder in the school.

"If this had been a terrorist attack, or someone entered the school armed with a knife or a gun who intended to cause harm, things could have been so different for the children because the teachers weren't aware of the procedure.

"My child was so worried about what happened she couldn't go back to school the following day."

She added: "The school needs to introduce a weekly lockdown drill, like a fire drill, to make sure the children are safe if this happens again."

Another parents' daughter described "scenes of confusion" inside the school as staff tried to protect the students, adding a review to the policy was needed.

Headteacher Martin Brown said the school was put in lockdown as a "precautionary measure".

The school has not yet responded to requests for a further explanation as to why the lockdown procedure was activated or whether it would review it.

In a statement, Mr Brown said: "We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.

"A 13-year-old-girl, not a student at the school, made access to the school site without permission, and was quickly apprehended and contained in the school reception area.

"As a precautionary measure the school was placed on lockdown.

"The incident was dealt with quickly and safely, at no point were any members of the school community at risk.

"The police were informed and met with senior staff.

He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all members of our learning community who worked together in an orderly and focussed manner to ensure their safety."