Teenage pupils were injured after falling about 15ft off the back of a stage while posing for a school’s 60th anniversary photograph.

The incident took place at Uckfield Community Technology College on Thursday at 1pm.

Paramedics were called and school principal Hugh Hennebry (COR) admitted the incident “looked alarming”.

Three of the pupils, all boys, were injured falling from the back of the stage. One suffered a broken wrist and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and all had significant bruising.

A fourth pupil suffered an injured shoulder preventing a fellow student falling.

Mr Hennebry said: “We were taking an anniversary photograph of the whole college with every student and member of staff to mark the occasion of 60 years since the school opened.

“A platform was erected by the photography company on our playing fields for the students to stand on.

“While the students were being walked on, in single file to the platform, three sixth form students fell off the back of the platform onto the field below.

“They were immediately looked after by our team of first aiders and paramedics called.

“Their parents were all contacted and have been able to be with them.

“They have all gone to hospital to be checked out along with a fourth boy who hurt his shoulder but remained on the platform.

“The ambulance staff took every precaution because they were dealing with people who have fallen, so put two boys in neck braces and a third boy on a board, which may have looked alarming to any student who may have been able to see.

“The paramedics have done preliminary tests and at present, they do not believe there are any signs of anything too serious.

“We wish all the boys a speedy recovery and as I know many parents will be concerned as to whether they are alright, we will keep you informed once we have further news.”

South East Coast Ambulance confirmed they attended the incident at the East Sussex County Council school.

Did you witness the drama? Email Anna Roberts