Dozens of pupils have been suspended from a school in Sevenoaks over the past two weeks.

Approximately 40 children at Sevenoaks School have been disciplined following a school trip, but the school denies claims that some suspensions were for the use of cannabis.

However, Head of the School Dr Katy Ricks has confirmed some were alcohol-related and others for being out-of bounds whilst on the trip.

She said the school has suspended the 'unusually' large number of pupils because of these breaches of the school's code of conduct.

It is thought some students left the hotel in the evening whilst on the school trip.

In a statement, she added: "The school believes in taking a firm line and has been pleased with the parental support for this decision.

"We run over 60 residential trips every year, involving some 350 students aged 11-18.

"Over the past 12 years our students have behaved in an exemplary fashion in many parts of the world, and I am glad to say student behaviour is generally excellent.

"I am confident that by taking a strong line it will continue to be so.

"We take our duty of care very seriously, and the suspension was a clear demonstration of that."

There were unconfirmed reports that the suspensions may be related to cannabis use, but the school has denied these claims.

Sevenoaks School was founded in 1432 and is a 100-acre, co-ed day and boarding school for pupils aged 11-18.

It currently hosts 1,000 pupils including international students from 40 countries around the world.

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