Students excluded after racing through Telford in 'Grand Prix' game

More than 20 cars and 50 youngsters were involved as pupils from Haberdashers’ Adams’ Grammar School in Newport took part in an “unofficial tradition”, which involves driving to landmarks across Telford and drinking alcohol.

Whoever returns first from the race, which takes in Telford Town Park, Lilleshall Monument and Priorslee Lake, wins a pot of money raised through entry fees.

Now the students have been given two-day exclusions – meaning they miss their Leavers Day, and the school also said the police could be involved after the event last Wednesday. No-one has been arrested or charged with any criminal wrongdoing, and it is understood there were non-drinking designated drivers.

Headmaster Gary Hickey sent a letter to parents which read: “Not only is any form of unauthorised race on public roads illegal (regardless of the speed travelled), but unfortunately one of the challenges along the way involved drinking alcohol.

“As a result, we have received today written complaints from other pupils, complaints from members of the public, and a number of the Upper Sixth who were not involved feeling very uncomfortable about even coming into school.

"Your son/daughter did admit they willingly and knowingly took part in this event.”

In a statement to the Shropshire Star, Mr Hickey said: “I would like to take this opportunity to confirm that the activity was not part of a long-established school tradition and was not sanctioned by the school.

"In fact, it left many of the remaining 130 Upper Sixth pupils who chose not to take part feeling very uncomfortable about being at school on the day.

"The behaviour is inexcusable and the school has taken a very firm approach.

“This is certainly not the send-off we had wanted or planned for them, especially in light of the incredibly challenging times they have had over the last 12-plus months.

“Many of the pupils involved have also since expressed their remorse and sorrow for taking part in the activity and once the exclusion has been served, we will continue to support them on their studies and their final assessments at this critical time in their school year.”

West Mercia Police has been contacted for comment.