SEVEN schools received threats this morning, however Oldbury Academy chose NOT to evacuate pupils.

Oldbury Academy received a call at 8.05am this morning, with Leasowes and five further schools receiving one shortly after.

Following a decision last week and after checks of the school, Oldbury Academy took the decision to not evacuate after West Midlands Police declared the threat to not be 'credible'. All other schools chose to suspend lessons.

Oldbury Academy has been evacuated four times during the past three weeks and Acting Headteacher Philip Shackleton said he will now only close his school if there is reason to believe the students and staff are in danger. Some parents have criticised the decision saying any threat against students should be thought of as serious and pupils evacuated as such. However others have congratulated Mr Shackleton saying that evacuation is what the hoaxers want and the only way to stop them 'playing around' is to stand up against them.

Leasowes High School has evacuated and pupils have either been sent home or to Greenhill in Long Lane while police deal with the situation. They said there is currently no need for parents to attend. The other schools affected are

• Holly Lodge Foundation High in Sandwell
• Oldbury Academy in Sandwell
• Perryfields High Schools in Sandwell
• Edgbaston High School for Girls in Birmingham
• King David School in Birmingham
• Kind Edward's Schools in Birmingham

All establishments affected have assured the public that there is no immediate threat to the safety of any pupils or staff.