Three boys expelled after cocaine discovery

Three boys have been expelled and another suspended from one of Hammersmith's top private schools, Latymer Upper, after cocaine was discovered at a prom party held in Uxbridge Road's Bush Hall in May.

The drugs were found when two of the boys were stopped by a security guard in a toilet. When he asked them to empty their pockets he found the drugs hidden in a cigarette packet.

After an investigation, head Peter Winter allowed the expelled boys to return to school to take their A-level exams, though it was arranged that they would sit their papers separated from other pupils.

Mr Winter said: "The four boys had different roles in conspiring to procure some cocaine, and one of them was discovered with it on him.

"They were planning to take it at a club after the event.

"Three of the sixth-formers - their parents were asked to withdraw them, and they did. The fourth was suspended at the end of term."

Latymer Upper School, founded in 1624, is one of King Street's oldest landmarks. Recent former pupils include model Lily Cole, actor Hugh Grant and chef Heston Blumenthal.

The school head explained he allowed them to sit their A levels as " I am not in the business of ruining kids' chances in the future by not allowing them to take their exams".

He said: " These boys are not wicked, they've just been irretrievably stupid."

Mr Winter has written to parents about the incident, adding that a "small number" of students had been drinking prior to the dance. One girl collapsed and had to be taken to hospital.

June 9, 2010