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DRUGS TESTING FOR PUPILS IN SHEPWAY SCHOOLS

Drugs testing could soon be introduced into Shepway secondary schools following the success of a pilot scheme in the county.

The trial at the Abbey School in Faversham randomly selected pupils to be tested by taking mouth swabs.

Of the 960 pupils in the school, consent was given for 86% of the students. The school has claimed the scheme has also helped to improve the academic results, with 40% of students now achieving five good GCSE passes compared with 26% in 2004 and 32% the year before.

After half-term secondary heads will be asked if they would like their school to sign up to the pilot scheme. Parents will have to give their consent for children to be tested.

The Department for Education and Skills said it would evaluate the impact of the scheme, which is being implemented by Kent County Council (KCC).

The government will commission research based o­n the Kent pilot to see whether there is a direct link between random testing and behaviour, attendance and academic achievement.