DRUG SCARE AT GRAMMAR

At least one pupil at the school believed to have been suspended.

    POLICE are investigating claims pupils at Dover Girls Grammar School have experimented with illegal drugs.
    At least one pupil at the school is believed to have been suspended in connection with the possible abuse of drugs by youngsters.
    And acting headmistress Margaret Pope has written to parents warning them of the problem.
    In the letter, Miss Pope said: "Sadly, we believe that a small number of girls have experimented with drugs both outside and in school.
    "We are very disappointed that any girls are involved and that they have brought the problem into school and involved other pupils:' Miss Pope raised the issue with pupils at a school assembly and she is hoping to organise a meeting of parents, teachers, pupils and governors to discuss it further.
    She added: "I would like to assure you that we are doing everything possible to eliminate the problem.
    "Through their education, girls are alerted to the dangers which they face and we have been impressed by the positive attitude against drug abuse demonstrated in their discussion and form assemblies."
    The school's deputy head David Broadbridge said: "No drugs have been found on the school premises.
    "The police brought to our attention the possibility of the use of drugs." He refused to make any other comment.
    A spokesman for Dover police said no one had been arrested in connection with the allegations. He could not say more while investigations were still being carried out.
    None of the pupils our reporter spoke to said they had tried drugs or been offered them.
    And none of them seemed sure what type of drugs may have been used by classmates.
    One schoolgirl, who did not wish to be named, said some classmates may have tried ecstasy - a so - called designer drug sold at "rave" parties.
    Another, who also wanted to remain anonymous, said she had heard 'rush' was available.
    Also known as 'poppers', 'rush' is not illegal and is often sold in nightclubs and sex shops.