PUPILS from one of York's premier secondary schools have been suspended for bringing cannabis into the classroom.

Fulford School head teacher Stephen Smith confirmed "a number of pupils have been suspended for having drugs in school".

"We follow City of York Council's policy very carefully on matters of this nature," he said.

"If pupils bring drugs into school, they will be dealt with. Drugs are prevalent in society and it is something we take very seriously.

"It is a problem other schools in the area have faced recently and we are committed to controlling the situation at this school."

He said parents had no need to be concerned.

The pupils involved were thought to be aged 14 or 15.

Last week, three 12-year-old girls were suspended from Joseph Rowntree School, New Earswick, York, also for bringing cannabis into school.

Updated: 11:08 Monday, December 17, 2001