Students from two North Island high schools placed in lockdown today have been allowed to go home after several hours confined to their classrooms.

Photo: SunLive

Police received reports of "information of concern" at Te Puke High School in Western Bay of Plenty shortly after 10am this morning and at Hillcrest High School in Hamilton just after midday.

They said they were speaking to a person of interest in Te Puke but no charges had been laid.

Earlier today, Te Puke High School principal Alan Liddle sent an email to parents at about 12.30 today stating they had "made the decision to engage the school in a lockdown procedure".

"In the event of a lockdown, all students and staff are confined to one of the many learning spaces around the school.

"Delegated staff have been given responsibility for ensuring the buildings are locked to prohibit access.

"Students and staff have been trained to close windows and blinds, remain silent and out of sight as far as possible until the danger has passed and an all clear is issued by a member of the Senior Leaders Team.

"If appropriate Emergency Services or Police will be notified of the situation and assess the scene and risk factors."

In May, police were called to the school on Masters Ave after a student discovered a note written on the toilet door saying there was a bomb in another room at the school.

- SunLive