A HEADTEACHER has spoken out after pictures from a fire alarm evacuation showed a lack of social distancing.

The evacuation happened on the first day of lockdown at St Paul's Catholic College in Burgess Hill.

Pictures from the incident show students crammed together as they make their way out into the playground.

Rob Carter, headteacher of the school in Jane Murray Way, said the alarm was not a drill but did not disclose whether there was a fire.

He said the first priority is to evacuate the building in the emergency situation, but infection control procedures were in place.

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However one student, who asked not to be named, said there was "no provisions for social distancing".

Mr Carter said: "As a school since the initial national lockdown, in March, we have been fully committed to supporting families and students with their health, welfare and learning.

"This has been done very successfully online and whilst students were welcomed back to school in the summer term.

"In the situation of a fire alarm as students and staff leave the building the first priority is to evacuate the building in this emergency situation. Whilst the students are registered they remain in their year group bubble."

The headteacher said students had been in school full-time since September and the college has "introduced rigorous infection control procedures and risk assessments".

He said: "There have been only two positive COVID cases in the school since March. In schools we will continue to be part of the solution to overcome the challenges faced by everyone during this pandemic.

"This allows young people to be safe, happy and successful in all they do."