A NUMBER of students at a Bournemouth church school have been expelled after being caught “misusing” drugs.

The Bishop of Winchester Academy in Mallard Road has refused to say how many boys were involved in a mid-morning incident on Monday, January 24 or how many have been “permanently excluded”.

But, in a statement, principal Paul McKeown said: “The academy is determined to demonstrate zero tolerance towards behaviour that threatens children’s safety.

“As a consequence, it is with regret that a small number of students involved in this isolated incident will be permanently excluded.”

He stressed that a small group of older students had been involved, adding: “With the exception of two, they had joined the school having moved from other schools over the last two years.

“Those involved were swiftly identified by senior staff, their parents were contacted and they were sent home.

“The academy is working with the police in dealing with these students and in providing support to ensure that they do not re-offend and are offered appropriate counselling and guidance.”

One concerned parent contacted the Daily Echo after threatening to remove his two children from the school if the students involved in the incident were not permanently excluded.

He said: “You can imagine our shock when our son came home last week to tell me some of his year group had been smoking drugs and were under the influence of drugs whilst in school.

“I was appalled by the thought of my child sitting next to someone under the influence of drugs.

“Any child misusing drugs is a cause of great concern. If they are allowed to return I feel I would have no option but to remove my children.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We received a report that one student had been found in possession of cannabis on January 24.

“Five 14-year-old boys and one 15-year-old boy were reported to us but there were no arrests and inquiries are continuing.”

Bournemouth council leader Councillor Peter Charon said: “Jane Portman, our executive director who has responsibility for education, will be dealing with any issues arising out of this matter on behalf of the council.

“Given the ongoing nature of the investigation it would not be appropriate for councillors to intervene or make comments at this stage.”

However, Independent ward councillor David Shaw said: “Obviously I’m very concerned. I’ve offered to help the school at this difficult time because many of the pupils and their parents live in my ward.”