Brighton and Hove High School was evacuated this morning following a bomb threat. 

The senior school received a call at 10am to say that a bomb had been placed inside the building.  

Police searched the school, in Montpelier Road, but found nothing and are treating the threat as an "elaborate hoax."

It is thought to be the latest in a series of hoax threats made to schools across the country this week. 

Students were allowed back in after waiting outside for about one hour. 

Many students were sitting GCSE exams when they were evacuated. 

On Monday 21 schools around the country, including two in Sussex, were evacuated following hoax bomb calls. 

Police said the threat this morning was similar. 

Detective Sergeant James Meanwell said: "The call shows similarities to a number of calls that were received at schools in Sussex and others in the UK this week.

"These remain under investigation as malicious hoaxes.

"We are now investigating this incident as an elaborate hoax and are satisfied that there was no credible threat to the school."

In an email to parents, head teacher Jennifer Smith said pupils sitting exams had been advised about exam boards' arrangements for such circumstances. 

She said: "At around 10.00am this morning the Senior School received a telephone call informing us that an explosive device had been placed at the school. 

"We took the decision to evacuate the buildings and await the arrival of the police.

"Girls were kept safe on the Vicarage Lawn while police teams combed the site, working alongside our own senior staff and estates team. 

"Girls in Years 8, 9, and 12 are of course not in school today in any case.

"All buildings were declared safe shortly after 11.15am and the girls were allowed to return to school. 

"Examination pupils were addressed by the Head and reassured about special arrangements put in place by exam bodies under these circumstances. 

"Staff are on hand to assist any girls who may have further questions or concerns."

She said she "cannot commend highly enough the calm and resilient response from our girls – many of whom were sitting public exams."  

Ms Smith added police had told them 35 schools around the country had been targeted with similar calls this week. 

Were you affected by the evacuation? Contact the newsdesk on 01273 544 520.