DRUG TEST IN SCHOOLS SAYS KELLY

Random drug testing could be introduced in schools, Education
Secretary Ruth Kelly suggested yesterday.

She told a teachers' conference it was a "hugely effective" way to
tackle abuse.

She was keeping an "open mind" after she saw the scheme at work in the
Abbey School in Faversham, Kent.

The NASUWT annual conference in Birmingham heard "new challenges" to
discipline were emerging all the time.

Mrs Kelly said: "I will work with the NASUWT and others in developing
appropriate solutions."

Results at Abbey School improved after testing was introduced last
year.

Each week 20 pupils are checked for cannabis, cocaine and
ecstasy.

Mrs Kelly was laughed at when she told delegates she thought pupil
behaviour was generally improving. A survey of 800 teachers found 71
per cent considered resigning because of poor discipline.