Drug use inquiry at public school

The college aims to give pupils a Roman Catholic education

A leading Catholic independent school is investigating allegations of drug taking by students.

Ampleforth College near Thirsk in North Yorkshire said the inquiry concerns possible cannabis and cocaine use by a small number of sixth formers.

Two students have been put on temporary suspension and a further three have been withdrawn by their parents.

In February, 21 pupils were suspended after allegations of cannabis use at the £20,520-a-year boarding school.

A spokesman for the school said the two students who had been suspended had admitted taking cannabis and the action was in line with the school's disciplinary guidelines.

"This will also act as a final warning to the students in question and they will be subject to drug testing throughout the rest of their time in the school," he added.

He went on to say the investigation started after allegations from fellow students and the inquiry will not be completed for at least two weeks.