Pubdate: Sat, 08 Jan 2005
Source: Scotsman (UK)
Copyright: The Scotsman Publications Ltd 2005
Contact:  http://www.scotsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/406
Author: James Tapsfield, PA

DRUG TEST SCHOOL RECEIVES FIRST RESULTS

The first results from a state school's controversial random drugs testing 
scheme have been received, the headteacher said today.

At least 10 pupils aged between 11 and 18 were screened at the Abbey School 
in Faversham, Kent, when the project started on Wednesday morning.

The students were picked by computer, before being taken to the sick room 
and given mouth swabs by trained non-teaching staff.

The samples were then sent to a laboratory and examined for traces of drugs 
such as cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy.

Headteacher Peter Walker said today that the results from the initial batch 
of tests had already been returned.

"We have received the first results, but I am not releasing them until 
after four weeks.

"Then we will publish a statistical breakdown of what we have found, for 
the pupils and for the teachers who have also agreed to mouth swabs."

Mr Walker refused to say whether any pupils had tested positive, but 
confirmed that 19 had been screened since Wednesday.

The scheme, thought to be the first of its kind at a state school, has been 
criticised by civil liberties groups and drugs information charities, who 
claim it is an invasion of privacy and could increase truancy.

However, Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Tory Party and the local council 
have all offered their backing.

Mr Walker hopes it can help prevent young people falling victim to 
substance abuse.

Recent research found that almost a third of 11-15 year-olds now admit to 
trying illicit drugs, and other schools will be watching carefully to see 
how the project fares.

The families of all 960 pupils at the Abbey School have been sent letters 
asking for permission to carry out the tests, and 85% of the 701 replies 
have supported the measure.

No students are forced to take the tests, but if they refuse their parents 
will be brought in to discuss why.

Mr Walker has said that children who test positive do not necessarily face 
expulsion, but those who deal drugs will.

No funds from the school budget have been used to set up the scheme. 
Instead, the equipment and staff training has been sponsored by a tabloid 
newspaper and Altrix Healthcare, the company which manufactures the mouth 
swab kits.
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MAP posted-by: Beth