A SCHOOL has launched a “detailed investigation” after a student was found to have taken ecstasy.

The boy was taken to hospital after admitting to having taken the drug during the school day at Robertsbridge Community College near Battle.

Four students have been expelled following the incident.

Bag searches and a knife arch have been used in the past to combat drugs, alcohol and weapons on site.

Headteacher Zak Vice also said he had previously informed parents that drug detention dogs will be brought onto the site.

In a letter sent to parents about the incident he said: “On Friday afternoon last week, it became apparent that a Year 11 student of ours had taken an illicit substance during the school day.

“On questioning him, he confessed that he had taken ecstasy.

“The student and his family were accompanied to A and E by members of staff, and he has thankfully suffered no ill effects following the incident.

“Detailed investigations are taking place and the police have been informed.

“This is clearly a very serious matter and the college has acted swiftly to get to the bottom of the situation.

“We have a strict behaviour policy at Robertsbridge and expect very high standards from our students who are acutely aware that misuse of drugs is not only extremely dangerous, but completely unacceptable.

“Action is therefore being taken in line with the college’s behaviour policy, and this includes four students who will be permanently excluded as a result.”

He thanked parents for their support in “ensuring the safety of all students at the college”.

In a statement to The Argus, Mr Vice said that the school has “invested a significant amount of time and resources over the last year to ensure that we educate our students about the dangers associated with illicit substances and associated behaviours”.

These included attending a theatre production on County Lines... operations in which drug gangs from cities expand their operations to smaller towns, often using violence to drive out local dealers and exploiting children and vulnerable people to sell drugs.

Students have also “participated in PSHE lessons addressing that dangers of illicit substances, received assemblies about drug education, engaged in activities during ‘mentor time’ discussing the dangers of illicit substances and have access to an in-house counselling service”.

Mr Vice added that support networks were in place for families.

He said: “We have also provided families with links to sources of information and services that can offer support and advice on the topic.”