Page 10 - Student Behaviour Expectations Booklet 2024_25

Illicit Substances and Alcohol

Alcohol
Students who break the rules on alcohol, as set out in the Alcohol Policy, or who are found to be aiding and abetting the
consumption of alcohol, should expect a serious sanction.

In considering the appropriate punishment the following may be taken into account:
• The level of consumption as indicated by evidence of consumption, visible intoxication and /or breath test.
• The year group of the student involved (Year 9 - 11 students will typically receive a tougher sanction than Sixth
Formers for low level consumption).
• Whether the student has purchased or supplied drink to other students.
• Whether the student has overindulged with alcohol at a school function.
• The behaviour record of the student – particularly with regards to alcohol.

Sanctions for Alcohol: Typical sanctions range from Level 4 or Level 5 detention to suspension. Year 9 – Year 11 students can
expect to be suspended for consumption.

Drugs
This refers to the possession of illegal drugs, use, supply, dealing, possession of the paraphernalia of drug use, or overt support
for the drug culture. Illegal drugs refers to substances such as cannabis and THC, ecstasy, heroin, crack cocaine, LSD and
mephedrone, as well as solvents and other substances taken specifically to change mood and or behaviour (including so called
‘legal highs’, the use of nitrous oxide, and new psychoactive substances). The inappropriate use of prescribed drugs can also be
expected to be subject to sanctions.

Students are not permitted to be involved with these drugs in any way, including the supply and use of drugs both in and away
from school. This also applies where the Headmaster or Deputy Head (Pastoral) suspects and is satisfied that drug abuse away
from school is influencing the student and / or others in school.
Sanctions for Drugs: If a student is found to have been using drugs, both in and outside of school during term time, in
possession of drugs, or admits to taking drugs they are reported to the Deputy Head (Pastoral) immediately and typically the
student will be suspended from school pending the Headmaster’s decision.

If there are grounds for suspicion the student will be given the opportunity to undergo a drugs test (in line with the Millfield’s
Terms and Conditions). Failure to offer a sample is likely to result in further disciplinary action as it indicates an admission of
guilt. In this case, suspension is the likely outcome.

If a student admits to taking drugs, then no drug test is necessary.

The Headmaster and Deputy Head (Pastoral) will consider the involvement of the Police depending on the scale and type of
any drugs found, and any confirmed sale of drugs at Millfield.
If a student has supplied drugs i.e., shared or sold drugs they can expect to be expelled. The Head may decide to involve the
Police who, if necessary, will be invited to interview the student at school in the presence of his/her parent or HsM or an adult
nominated by the child.

Random Drug Testing
Typically, upon return from a Headmaster’s Pending (HMP) Suspension for involvement with or the taking of drugs, it is a
requirement of their return that students must agree to undertake a random drug test. Failure to do so would lead to the
student losing their place at Millfield.

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