A lockdown at Wellington East Girls' College, after reports of a man with a firearm in the area, has been lifted.

A statement on the college's website said it had been informed by police of a possible sighting of a man with a firearm in Mt Victoria.

The students were told to get under their desks, the curtains in their classrooms were drawn and the doors to their classrooms locked.

Police confirmed there were armed police in the school grounds responding to a call from a member of the public who said they saw a person with a firearm in the area.

The armed police were stood down a short time ago after they did not find anyone of interest.

Officers searched the area but did not find anyone fitting the description and the cordon was lifted after 45 minutes.

Earlier, an official announcement was made over the school intercom that an armed incident was under way.

Students were told to lie on the floor in their classrooms, where the lights were turned out. Students RNZ spoke to said many of the girls were upset and crying.

"Police have advised us we can exit from lockdown and resume normal activities," a statement from the school said.

"School will finish at the scheduled time today and end of day arrangements should be unaffected."

Staff were told to stay in classrooms or school buildings with students.

It is the first day back in the new school term.