2nd October 2026

Dear Samakee Community,

Emergency Evacuation Drill

This morning, we conducted a scheduled emergency evacuation drill, and we're delighted to report an outstanding result.

The results:

• Total evacuation time: 3 minutes 38 seconds – from the alarm sounding to all staff and pupils safely assembled at our designated meeting point

• 100% attendance accounted for through systematic register checks

• Calm and orderly evacuation across all year groups

What happened:

When the alarm sounded at 9:45, staff and pupils followed our emergency procedures immediately. Children evacuated the buildings calmly and efficiently, following their designated routes to our assembly point. Staff ensured all pupils exited safely, conducting visual sweeps of classrooms, toilets, and other areas before leaving the buildings themselves.

Once assembled, class teachers and form tutors conducted thorough register checks to confirm that every child and staff member was present and accounted for. The Headteacher and senior leadership team coordinated the drill and monitored the evacuation process.

After receiving the all-clear and confirming everyone was safe, pupils and staff returned to classrooms in an orderly manner and resumed their school timetable.

Why this matters:

Regular emergency drills are a crucial part of our safeguarding procedures. They ensure that:

• Everyone knows what to do in a real emergency

• Evacuation routes remain clear and accessible

• Staff are confident in their emergency response roles

• Pupils can evacuate calmly without panic

• We can identify and address any issues with our procedures

We conduct emergency evacuation drills at least once per term to maintain a high standard of safety and preparedness. Each drill is evaluated, and any lessons learned are used to improve our procedures.

Well done to everyone – staff and pupils alike – for your calm, efficient response. Your cooperation ensures that St. Andrews Samakee remains a safe environment for learning.