Mum crying with laughter after finding out why school went into lockdown

Headteacher revealed the 'swift actions' that were taken after some unexpected guests causes chaos in the school

Parents of children at a Liverpool secondary school said they were 'worried sick' after hearing that the school had been put into a lockdown - until they found out the reason for the action.

Last Friday (May 9), Notre Dame Catholic Academy in Everton was placed into a partial lockdown by headteacher Victoria Taylor. News of such action was initially alarming to parents and carers until they were left laughing as the full explanation came through.

The action was actually taken by the headteacher of the Great Homer Street school after three seagulls were found to have entered the school building overnight and refused to leave. Despite the valiant efforts of staff, the bothersome birds went on to cause chaos as they swooped through the hallways, attempted to steal food and defecated near to where students were attempting to learn.

Recounting the bizarre experience, Ms Taylor told the ECHO: "On Friday, May 9 2025, Notre Dame Catholic Academy entered a partial lockdown after three seagulls made themselves at home in the building overnight.

"Despite our best efforts—coaxing, persuading, and even tempting them with a tin of tuna—the birds refused to leave. Their unexpected presence caused quite a stir, as they swooped through the halls, attempting to snatch toast and bagels from our free breakfast trolley. Unfortunately, students also had to contend with seagull droppings landing uncomfortably close to their chairs."

Ms Taylor added: "Faced with the disruption, we took swift action to ensure purposeful learning could continue as normal and restore the school’s usual calm and orderly atmosphere.

Praising her pupils and staff, the headteacher added: "Pest control arrived promptly, efficiently removing the birds from the premises. While this was certainly not the kind of situation we envisioned for a lockdown, it provided an opportunity to witness the exemplary behaviour of our students and staff."

"Their composure and cooperation were outstanding, reinforcing our confidence that, should we ever need to enact a lockdown for a more serious reason, our school community would respond effectively to ensure the safety of our children."

The news caused quite a stir and eventually plenty of amusement. One parent took to social media at the time and said her daughter had sent her a text to say that the school had gone into lockdown. She added: "I was worried sick, then received this off the school. I have cried laughing."

On the same post, the mum shared the initial message sent to parents and carers from Ms Taylor. The notice said: "Dear parents/carers, we have had quite a lot of excitement this morning and we are in a position where we need to remove three seagulls from within the building.

"The birds are scared and this is causing quite a lot of excitement and the occasional scream as they are swooping around. Pest control have arrived and this will be dealt with very shortly.

"As a result I am about to put the school into a partial lockdown. I anticipate the lockdown to last a maximum of 30 minutes and all students will continue their lessons as normal (they just won't be able to leave their classroom). We are explaining to the children what is happening."