Merseyside Police officers were seen inside the Liverpool school this morning as parents and children were told to stay away
08:47, 09 Mar 2026Updated 11:00, 09 Mar 2026
Merseyside Police at LIPA School this morning, March 9
Parents and their children have been told to stay away from LIPA School this morning after a “threat” was made against the school. In a letter to parents, shared with the ECHO, they were informed the school had been forced to close for the day on Monday, March 9, due to a threat to cause harm.
The letter explains how these threats are often hoaxes, and Merseyside Police has also said it believes the threats to be a hoax. The school it is working with police, with officers seen inside the school this morning.
This morning’s threat comes after the news the school would be closing permanently this year after the government agreed with the school’s trustees that it should be shut down.
LIPA School headteacher Claire McKendrick said in her letter to parents: “I am writing to inform you that we have made the unfortunate decision to close the school today. “This morning, the school received a bomb threat and a threat to cause harm.
Read the ECHO’s special report: Inside the downfall of Liverpool’s ‘most dysfunctional school’
“Whilst these types of messages are, in most cases, hoaxes, the heightened media attention surrounding the school in recent days means we must treat this as a serious and credible risk.
“We are currently working closely with Merseyside Police, who are supporting us in ensuring the safety of our pupils, staff, and wider community.
Police outside LIPA School on March 9(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“I appreciate that this will cause disruption and concern, and I sincerely apologise for that. However, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils, families and staff must always come first.
“We advise families not to enter the school building until we are able to confirm that it is safe to return.
“We will email parents regarding the reopening of the school as soon as it is safe to do so. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and support.”
The ECHO has reported extensively on the problems at the school, which shares a name with Paul McCartney’s arts institute, but is run by a separate trust.
Last year the school received a damning Ofsted report which plunged it into special measures, before safety concerns saw the school close days before the end of the summer term.
Last month it was confirmed that the school will close down this summer, with a letter to parents detailing a host of major issues leading to the decision.
The factors detailed include a “significant overspend over a number of years, which has led to a substantial historical financial deficit.”
Last year’s inadequate Ofsted rating is also mentioned, as is a “significant” fall in pupil numbers as well as “inappropriate” educational facilities and the lack of any viable alternatives.