Pupils asked to leave local school after cannabis smoking shown on website

Seven 15 year old boys have been excluded from London Oratory School after a video of them apparently taking drugs was posted on the internet.

It is believed that the pupils posted a clip on the cult video-sharing website YouTube in which they appear to be smoking cannabis. The boys were excluded immediately after staff discovered the video.

Headmaster, David McFadden confirmed the expulsion stating that "Several pupils were excluded as a result of drug allegations. The cases are still being considered under due process so it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

A number of the boys' families have appealed the decision but are yet to hear the outcome.

The school dates back to 1863 when, at the request of Cardinal Wiseman who wanted to provide a wider education for Catholic children than was available at that time, the Oratory Fathers established a school for boys.

Known to many as the school Tony Blair chose for his sons (and daughter in the sixth form), the school states in its prospectus that it "expects pupils to work and behave properly and to contribute to the life of the school and parents to support it in achieving and maintaining high standards. Any pupil unable or unwilling to profit from the education provided at the school may be asked to withdraw from the school after reasonable notice."

July 11, 2007