SCHOOL BOSSES HIT OUT AT DRUG DEALERS

THE board of governors of an Ulster grammar school today condemned drug
pushers who prey on young people.

A number of pupils at Banbridge Academy - believed to be fifth- formers -
were reportedly caught smoking cannabis.

The school is understood to have reported the matter to police and
suspended the pupils after an internal investigation.

The RUC has liaised with the school authorities and is considering
"appropriate action".

Banbridge Academy gained the top A-level results in Northern Ireland in
this year's school performance tables, produced by the Department of
Education.

In a statement released today Eileen Wright, chairman ofthe board of
governors, said: "Any incident involving the discipline or welfare of our
pupils is dealt with in accordance with our normal school procedures.

"This is primarily a problem which enters the school community from society
outside where this is a major problem.

"It is very unfortunate that in society today there are so many individuals
who are ready to exploit our young people.

"In the interests of the pupils and parents we have no further comment to
make."