The School seeks to prevent boys using controlled drugs or solvents in a ‘school context’. This is defined as anywhere at any time on school property, anywhere during school hours, regardless of dress, at any time in school uniform, regardless of location, anywhere and at any time on any school visit or activity. Furthermore, the school seeks to discourage boys strongly from using drugs at any other time.

 

1.         The School recognises that drugs are widely available and are widely used by some teenagers in our society, and that this is a problem that must be faced squarely both at school and at home.  Our policy is meant to be positive and effective, involving both home and school, and we hope that - whilst it is understanding in some cases - it will also act as an effective deterrent.

2.         A continuing programme of education about drugs at all levels in the School is given considerable emphasis within the General Education Programme.  Boys, parents and staff are regularly updated on developments in drug misuse to ensure that sensible discussions and decisions can be made about the misuse of drugs.

3.         All investigations into the use of drugs within the School are as open as possible, and help is provided for anyone genuinely seeking it within the school’s programme.  Anyone coming forward with a drugs problem will receive help, but will also go on to a programme of regular drug testing if they wish to remain at the School and receive its support.

4.         Any boy supplying or inciting the use of controlled drugs, or being in possession of them with intent to supply, will invariably be expelled.

5.         Any boy caught in possession of, or using, controlled drugs, but without the intent to supply others, will also be expelled, except in the most extenuating circumstances.

6.         It is school policy to inform the police:

·          in cases of pushing, supplying, or dealing

·          where class A drugs are involved: cocaine, heroin, LSD, Ecstasy (MDMA), methadone, opium and pethidine

·          where a separate police investigation is likely.

In all such cases the police will be informed before the School makes its own detailed investigation.

7.         Parents of boys under 16 sign a form consenting to preliminary diagnostic saliva testing on site and professional analysis of any subsequent urine samples.  Boys over 16 sign for themselves.  The school may insist on testing where there are reasonable grounds to suspect drug misuse and wherever possible the School will contact parents to let them know of this decision.  Full details are available on request from the Headmaster.

8.         The school’s policy is based on trust between pupils, staff and parents, and is intended to be in the best interests of all boys at the School.