FOUR boarding school pupils who bought cannabis, stored it in school and smoked it in public places have been expelled.

The St Peter's School pupils were found out when one, a 15-year-old girl, was discovered with a cigarette lighter, cigarette papers and cannabis resin.

After questioning, other pupils, two boys and another girl, all aged 15, also admitted buying cannabis.

Four more pupils who may have "experimented" with cannabis were suspended for five days.

They will undergo random testing upon their return to school.

The police have also been informed.

Head teacher Andrew Trotman said: "The school rules could not be clearer. All pupils are fully aware of the likely consequences for their school careers of involvement with illegal drugs."

The pupils were initially suspended for investigations and will not return to school as the expulsions take immediate effect.

Mr Trotman said: "Such decisions are not easy to make because I am well aware of the consequences for the individual pupils.

"However, as a boarding school we act in 'loco parentis' and have particular responsibility for the care and welfare of our pupils."

Updated: 11:08 Friday, October 11, 2002