DRUGS are a universal menace that have even breached the corridors of a top school, admits its headteacher.

Michael Carding, head of the flagship Bishop Heber High in Malpas, said that a decade ago he could have said the school was drug-free...but not now.

He was responding to the criticisms of twomumswho haveaccusedtheschool of complacency in the war on drugs.

He says that the teaching staff are alert to the danger of teenage dabbling and they are doing all they can to combat the threat.

'We've discovered cannabis in the school and earlier this term found amphetamine powder,' he said.

'Overthelastthree tofouryearswe've been working closely with police. The police are called to every incident and they deal with the culprits.

'We've had police sniffer dogs in school and health workers have taught about the dangers of drug abuse.

'Last month we set up an evening with the police and drugs team and invited parents - but unfortunately only 15 turned up, which was disappointing.'

He said suggestions there had been cocaine in the school are untrue.

But he added: 'Kids do pass stuff around on a Friday for the weekend.

'A boy found recently with cannabis has been excluded from school. We impose fixed term or permanent exclusions for drug dealing - but none of these things are ever black and white.'

His comments came after one mother complained that drugs are being sold every day in the school grounds.

Accusing the school of a 'blind eye' approach, the worried mother claims a girl was seen snorting cocaine in one lesson and that 'coke' and cannabis are freely available.

The mother, who does not wish to be named said: 'There is a huge problem with drugs, both dealing and taking.

'A few parents contacted the headmaster Michael Carding and saw him individually. We found out times when drugs were being sold and told him, but he did nothing.

'The girl snorting cocaine was also offering to sell it. These are 14-15 year olds we're talking about.

'Drugs are being sold by children to children. Mr Carding told me 'We are watching things,' but I'm horrified there has been no response from him.'

'People from good families send their kids to this so-called booming flagship school and they are unaware of the drug problem there.'

Another mother, who also wished to remain anonymous, said that her 14-year-old daughter was approached by a fellow pupil to see if she wanted to buy some 'weed' (slang for cannabis).

'My daughter said no, and then she was told she wasn't in with the 'in-crowd' and was a low-life. My daughter told the teacher she'd been offered drugs and has since been bullied by this girl.'

'My daughter is surrounded by drugs and no-one seems to be doing anything about it. A lot of parents are burying their heads and don't want to admit what's happening there.'