St Peter's School in Cambridge, which had been in the news this week due to the disappearance of its principal and deputy principal and workplace bullying allegations, was evacuated overnight and will remain closed on Friday.
A spokesperson for the school confirmed to Newshub on Thursday night that the school had been evacuated due to a bomb threat.
Police confirmed they had received a report of the threat and were investigating the situation.
"Police are investigating the circumstances and are working with the school to ensure the safety of students and staff," a spokesperson said on Thursday night.
A message to parents on Thursday said the safety of all students and staff was the school's main priority. It asked day students to remain at home on Friday while the "threat is assessed". Boarders and on-site staff were being relocated and parents could pick up their children if they wished.
"Police will have an increased presence on campus along with security guards".
Newshub saw some parents try drop their students off at the school on Friday morning, but they were turned away at the gate.
An update on Friday said 500 people had been evacuated from the campus.
The school has also made the decision cancel all training and sports games from Friday to Sunday evening.
"With the majority of our boarding community having returned home or in the process of doing so, we do not wish to put further pressure on our families and athletes," the school said.
"Our management team is in the process of contacting the governing sporting regional bodies to advise them of our situation. We will keep you informed regarding the resumption of training and competition.
"For those students who had internal assessments due today, please tell them not to be concerned as they will not be disadvantaged and the school will support them through the process."
