Pupils caught dealing drugs

Two expelled, several suspended

TWO pupils have been expelled and several suspended after children as young as 13 were found dealing drugs at Saddleworth School.

Two boys, from Years 9 and 11, were permanently excluded for dealing cannabis, while others were given various fixed-term exclusions after being caught in possession of the Class B drug. But angry parents say those suspended should have been dealt with more severely to ensure any drug culture is stamped out at the school.

The Chronicle understands that one pupil was suspended for only one week.

One parent said: “I was shocked to hear that pupils in Year 9 are involved in drugs, actually being in possession on the school premises. These children are 13 years old and it’s a worry that at such a young age these things are happening and there is a brazen attitude of the pupils concerned.

“Surely the seriousness of this type of behaviour should result in a permanent exclusion. I understand the head teacher has a duty of care to the pupils but feel that the school is brushing off problems so as not to tarnish its reputation.

“I’m sure other parents see this as a very serious matter that needs to be stopped before it spreads through the school.”

Chairman of governors, Councillor Brian Lord, said: “We have a very clear rule that anyone who trades, sells or pushes drugs is permanently excluded. We have to show the whole school that it’s not worth peddling drugs in school.

“You can’t hold that line for people taking drugs as the police will just slap your wrists. You could not exclude people for just smoking it.

“The fixed-term penalties do affect the pupils and they are effective sanctions.”

In 2004, two boys received fixed-term exclusions after being found smoking cannabis while playing truant.

Head teacher Patricia Cornish said she could not discuss individual disciplinary matters as they are confidential, or whether police had been involved.

But she said such incidents are infrequent and the governing body takes an extremely firm line.

She added: “Supplying drugs leads to permanent exclusion, which is made clear to all parents.

“Drug incidents are meticulously investigated and sanctions consistently applied according to school policies, which are entirely in line with other schools in Oldham. The consequences are severe.

“The governors are absolutely firm about sending a message to pupils that drugs are intolerable in school.”