Gerard MacMahonGAZETTE & HERALD: TWO teenagers face expulsion from Sheldon School after it is believed they took drugs in their lunch break on Tuesday.

Headteacher Gerard MacMahon held a special assembly yesterday to warn other pupils of the dangers of drug abuse.

The two boys, thought to be aged 13 and 14, were sent home immediately after the incident, which took place in a field behind the school in Hardenhuish Lane.

Mr MacMahon said there was no certainty over what substances were involved, although he suspected it was a lower class drug such as cannabis.

"We have a very strict policy regarding drugs," he said. "If children are found to have brought illegal substances into school then we permanently exclude them.

"I think those involved were experimenting and have learned their lesson. I hope it was nothing more serious than that although we are quite prepared to take the strongest action necessary."

Mr MacMahon said the year eight and nine pupils, who have not been named, left the school grounds at lunchtime but felt unwell when they returned for afternoon lessons.

He said quick-thinking teachers noticed their strange behaviour on the way to registration and the pupils never made it to class.

The parents of both boys were called to Sheldon and they remained at home yesterday.

Mr MacMahon said it was not yet clear who was to blame for what happened although the school had launched a full investigation.

"We think it involved smoking and drugs but other students who may have been involved are being questioned," he said.

Sheldon School has close ties with Chippenham Police and the incident was reported yesterday.

Mr MacMahon said he felt it was the right thing to do in the circumstances.

"Children need to know where their boundaries are," he said. "This is very much a one-off incident. We haven't had a situation involving drugs at the school for many years, and I think that's because our stance is very strong and clear to pupils."

He said he was pleased how efficiently the school picked up on the matter, and it gave him a good opportunity to reiterate his expectations to pupils.

Students learn about drug abuse including alcohol and tobacco in personal, social and religious education lessons.

"Obviously we can't divorce ourselves from the society around us but the school must be a haven from that," said Mr MacMahon.

"We've made our position very clear to the children and we have a duty of care to them."

He said parents at the school, which has just been named one of the best in the country, expected it to have strong boundaries and the families involved were very disappointed in their children's behaviour.

A police spokesman said: "We fully support any actions the school deems necessary to take.

"Drug taking for any member of the community will not be tolerated and it is particularly disturbing when such young people become involved."