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Skinner's School in Tunbridge Wells 'reprimands students over drug use'
11:00, 11 January 2017
Police are looking into drugs allegations at a prestigious Tunbridge Wells school, amid reports some pupils have been suspended.
Edward Wesson, headmaster of Skinners' School in Tunbridge Wells, is said to have taken action against a number of students.
It's claimed nine pupils from the school, all aged between 14 and 15, were suspended before the Christmas holidays due to drug use.
One student is believed to have been permanently withdrawn from the St Johns Road boys' grammar.
Kent Police confirmed today they have been made aware of concerns around the possible misuse of banned substances.
This came after a neighbouring resident called the police after a group of boys were spotted on the school playing fields, allegedly smoking marijuana.
A police spokesman said officers are continuing to make inquiries into the allegations, but no arrests have yet been made.
Edward Wesson, headmaster at the school, said: "There was an incidence of the supply and consumption of illegal drugs before Christmas at Skinners’. Clearly schools are not immune from the prevalence of drugs in West Kent.
"We deal with incidents, thoroughly, fairly and robustly, but also believe informing pupils of the risks - potential loss of a school place, potential criminal record, the financial cost and and of course mental and physical well-being - to be a crucial part of their education.
"As far as we are concerned, the matter is now closed but coaching resilience against such temptation is something we are fully committed to as a school."