Three Bangor Grammar pupils suspended over '˜concerns about drugs'

A letter was sent to the parents of pupils at Bangor Grammar earlier this week informing them that “three year 11 pupils have been suspended, two for being in possession of cannabis whilst in school uniform and one for distributing the drug”.

The letter from principal Elizabeth Huddleson added: “Time was taken this morning to speak at length to the year 11 group and once the examinations and work experience are complete assemblies will be used next week to communicate with the rest of the school.

“I will outline PSNI involvement to date and the consequences for individuals where drugs are brought into this school.

“I will stress to the boys that where they have concerns or are affected by any of these issues, they should speak to a trusted member of staff to allow the school to offer them necessary support.”

The letter also asks any parents who may have concerns to contact senior staff in the school.

Later, in a statement to the press, Ms Huddleson said that as a school they have been “proactive in dealing with this situation in line with school policy”.

She added: “All parents in the school community have been informed. As outlined in our recent Parentmail, the opportunity has been taken again to warn our pupils of the dangers of becoming involved with drugs and those persons associated with drug use.

“This is a societal issue affecting all schools. We will continue to work hard to educate and guide our pupils on the matter.”

Ms Huddleson also told BBC Radio Ulster: “Sadly we live in the real world and sadly this is an issue affecting many of our young people currently.

“It does take up a lot of school time, but I think as a school it is absolutely vital that it is dealt with and dealt with swiftly within our jobs education policy by way of supporting individual pupils, but also by way of continuing to educate the boys about the dangers that really are lurking out there.”

A PSNI spokesman said: “Officers have called to the school in relation to an incident and inquiries are ongoing.”

Meanwhile, a parent of a year 11 pupil told the News Letter she was “not overly surprised at the letter”.

“There have been problems this year in year 11 so this is no real shock to me anyway,” she added.

Another parent of a child in year 8 told the News Letter that she was “glad the school is taking the matter seriously and keeping parents informed”.

“My son doesn’t seem to have been affected by the issue, but it’s very alarming since he’s just entered what I still regard as a very good school with an admirable pastoral approach,” she added.