PUPILS at a Harpenden school were allowed to go home after getting soaked in a torrential downpour because a false fire alarm forced them to evacuate the building. Sir John Lawes headteacher, Claire Robins, explained that this morning s (Friday) deluge c

PUPILS at a Harpenden school were allowed to go home after getting soaked in a torrential downpour because a false fire alarm forced them to evacuate the building.

Sir John Lawes headteacher, Claire Robins, explained that this morning's (Friday) deluge coincided with a false fire alarm at around 10.30am, drenching students and staff.

Because the pupils were so wet, she was forced to give them the option to go home with their school work. But those who were unable to get home stayed behind to work.

Ms Robins said: "They were all soaking wet, it wasn't a healthy learning environment."

She added: "When the fire alarms go off, you have to evacuate, but it was a very unusual set of circumstances as the heavens just opened as it happened."

She emphasised that all of the students were given work to take home and that the incident didn't disrupt any exams.