Lockdown vs Invacuation – What do schools need to know
Schools must be ready for both lockdown and invacuation, but the two procedures are not the same. This guide explains the difference and shows how CTprepare helps schools plan, drill and evidence the right response.
Schools are expected to plan for both lockdown and invacuation. While the two procedures share similarities, they apply to different situations and involve different staff actions. Understanding the distinction is essential for effective emergency preparedness — and it is an area where confusion still exists.
Clarifying the confusion
It’s not unusual to see the terms lockdown and invacuation used interchangeably. Some schools and commentators even describe an “invacuation lockdown” as if it were a single procedure.
This blurring of language creates real risks: if staff don’t know the difference, the wrong response may be triggered.
The Department for Education and the National Protective Security Authority are clear: these are separate responses for separate threats.
- Invacuation - securing the perimeter and moving everyone safely inside when the threat is outside the school.
- Evacuation - securing classrooms and hiding pupils and staff when the threat is inside the perimeter.
CTprepare helps schools keep that distinction clear in their planning, documentation and staff training.
Invacuation
Used when: The threat is outside the school.
Possible triggers:
- Armed police activity nearby
- Suspicious individual, vehicle or package outside the perimeter
- Environmental hazards such as smoke, gas or debris
- Dangerous animals in or near school grounds
- Severe weather
Staff actions:
- Secure the perimeter — gates, doors and access points
- Bring pupils and staff inside from outdoor areas
- Restrict unnecessary movement between buildings
- Take registers once groups are safe
- Maintain communication with the incident lead until the all-clear
Benefit: Invacuation creates a hardened boundary while allowing learning and activity to continue indoors where safe.
Lockdown
Used when: The threat is inside the perimeter.
Possible triggers:
- Intruder or violent individual on site
- Weapon sighting in the grounds or buildings
- Suspicious package inside where evacuation is unsafe
Staff actions:
- Secure rooms: lock and barricade doors, close blinds, cover vision panels, switch off lights
- Move pupils to safe spaces out of sight of doors and windows
- Maintain silence until a verified all-clear is given by the incident lead or emergency services
- Do not open doors unless the all-clear announcement is given through agreed channels
Benefit: Lockdown provides immediate protection from an on-site threat, limiting visibility and access for intruders.
Why schools need both?
Invacuation and lockdown are complementary but distinct. Invacuation protects against external threats, lockdown against internal ones. Both require:
- Clear, distinct alerts or announcements so they are not confused
- Staff trained in specific actions for each scenario
- Plans documented and rehearsed in line with DfE guidance (2025)
Governors and parents will expect to see evidence that both procedures are properly planned, practised and recorded.
How CTprepare helps?
Security compliance is complex and governors, staff and parents will expect evidence.
CTprepare guides schools step by step through tailored questionnaires and embedded training to create customised compliance documents. It also:
Produces emergency procedures from inituitive, simple to answer online questionnaires.
Asks the right questions to help create practical security plans.
Records drills and training evidence.
Provides governors & inspectors with audit-ready logs.
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CTPREPARE LIMITED, a company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 16574805. Registered address: 128 City Road, London, England, EC1V 2NX
CTPREPARE LIMITED, a company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 16574805. Registered address: 128 City Road, London, England, EC1V 2NX