Drug scandal rocks elite private school Scotch College, students suspended
STUDENTS at elite school Scotch College caught with marijuana paraphernalia on campus have been suspended, with some of those believed to be boarders at the exclusive Hawthorn school.
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STUDENTS at Victoria’s elite Scotch College have been suspended and could be expelled after being caught on campus with marijuana paraphernalia.
Four boys were found with goods related to the illicit drug on the grounds of the exclusive Hawthorn private school last week.
It is believed at least some of the suspended students boarded at the campus, at a cost to their parents of up to $72,000 a year in tuition and accommodation fees.
A Scotch College spokesman confirmed that four boys had been suspended “while their places at the school are reviewed, after they were found to have been involved with marijuana on the school’s grounds”.
“The school takes seriously any matter involving drug use among our students. Education is provided to boys regarding the dangers of drug use and the school encourages parents to discuss such issues with their sons,” he said.
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The Herald Sun has been told the school’s police liaison officer was told of the find. But a Victoria Police spokesman said on Sunday the force was unaware of any report.
It is understood that parents of the students desperately sought a meeting with the school at the weekend to discuss the matter. The suspensions review could result in expulsions.
Students told the Herald Sun they had heard of the drugs find.
A Scotch College teacher who lives on the campus declined to comment.
The exclusive all-boys school is attended by almost 1900 students, and according to the Good Schools Guide, charges fees of $33,276 for tuition, or $46,206 for international students.
Boarding fees are estimated at more than $26,000.
The college’s 150 boarders live in three houses surrounded by gardens and trees overlooking the senior school.
Some staff also live in; about 20 are responsible for the care of the boarders.
Most boarders are from rural Victoria and southern NSW; a quarter of them are from overseas.
The school has housed boarders since opening in 1851.
This is not the first time Scotch College students have been embroiled in a drug probe.
In 2007, a year 12 student was cautioned by police over an incident involving the sale of drugs to a year 9 pupil.
The drug was widely reported to have been ecstasy.
Police did not pursue charges after interviewing the boy.
The campus was busy on Sunday with an art show and music rehearsals.
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