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An Irvine mum fears teeny yobs could be damaging her child’s education after hoax fire alarms disrupted vital exams.

Reckless Greenwood Academy pupils have reportedly set off their school’s fire alarm 15 times in the last two months, according to one parent.

And this week the foolhardy practice reached its most serious point yet when two prelim exams were interrupted on consecutive days.

This week the school’s head teacher Christine McGuire said she was frustrated by the hoax alarms and vowed to clamp down on those responsible.

And Scottish Fire and Rescue staff have also hit out at the practice, saying that diverting fire crews to unnecessary call-outs could result in a “needless tragedy”.

Pupils were evacuated from the higher maths and modern studies prelims on Tuesday and Wednesday last week.

An angry parent said: “My daughter is utterly devastated – she thinks she’s mucked up her exams because they put the students out in the rain to deal with the unnecessary alarm.

“This has been going on for ages and there have been six false alarms this month and nine in December – it’s completely out of control.

“When my daughter did get back into her exam she was totally flustered because of the upheaval.

“The school can’t seem to keep control over these people and it’s becoming a really frustrating situation among parents.”

(Image: Steve McKendrick)

But Greenwood Academy head teacher Christine McGuire said: “I share the frustration and anger of pupils, parents and anyone affected by hoax fire alarms.

“Almost all of our pupils at Greenwood Academy are considerate, hard-working and respectful of their responsibilities.

“It’s hugely important to all of us that they perform at their very best during exams.

“Staff and invigilators have assured me that the pupils have not been unduly upset and have maintained their focus despite the disruption.

“They have also been given additional time in such circumstances.

“We take the issue very seriously. Recent incidents have resulted in disciplinary action against the pupils involved.

“We are also working closely with the fire service and the campus police officer to educate our young people about the possible consequences of false alarm activations.

“This type of behaviour won’t be tolerated and we’re determined to stamp it out completely.”

A spokeswoman for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: “People who deliberately set off false alarms or make hoax calls are risking lives and they need to be aware of what the consequences could be.

“Whenever our crews are called out over a false alarm it means that they are unable to attend a real emergency if one happens elsewhere.

“If people are trapped in a burning house or involved in a serious car crash then it is vital that help can reach them as quickly as possible.

“If there were to be any delay caused by us having to send crew from further afield then that could result in needless tragedy.

“Anyone with information regarding those responsible for these reckless actions should share it with police to help protect their community.

“We work closely with schools and very much appreciate their help in making sure pupils understand the importance of these kinds of issue.

“The vast majority of young people are responsible citizens who would never consider something so reckless.”