Students at one of Shropshire’s top schools could face random drugs tests if they are suspected of taking illegal substances, its headmaster has said.

Michael Barratt said the drugs policy at Adams’ Grammar School in Newport would be enforced if students were believed to be involved in drugs.

It comes after two students were expelled and a further five suspended this week after admitting being involved with Class B drugs.

Mr Barratt today said there was a zero tolerance drug policy in the school and no allegation would escape investigation.

“If we have suspicion that a pupil has been involved we say to parents that we will always investigate rumour,” said Mr Barratt.

“Sometimes that comes to nothing and sometimes it may come to something much more significant.”

He added the policy of testing students was to ensure the safety of everyone in the school.

“I don’t think this policy is unusual, but of course I can’t speak for other schools, this has been written with Adams’ in mind,” he added.

“The policy guides us through different scenarios from someone who is dealing or possessing an illegal substance to someone who may be involved at the periphery either taking part on site or off site.

“They are in a vulnerable position and it is designed to support them and to protect the welfare of our school community.”

Mr Barratt added students are taught about drugs through a personal, social and health education programme.

Deputy headmaster Mark Warren Smith said: “When these matters arise in a school there’s much emotion and the policy helps to direct us through this emotion.”