There might have been a bit of explaining to do when drugs were found in the study of last term's Head of 
School, George Hatfield, following a sweep by police sniffer dogs, but the "find" was all part of a pre-planned training exercise.
George had agreed to his study in Fayrer House being used as part of the training when a team of sniffer dogs and their handlers from the Metropolitan Police visited the College on Tuesday.
The College operates a zero tolerance policy on drugs and, as part of an ongoing drugs awareness programme, the visit was designed to show parents and pupils that it is doing everything possible to keep illegal substances out of school.
Led by Senior Dog Handler, PC Andy Weaver, the police team and their dogs, accompanied by members of staff, searched two Boarding Houses chosen at random.
The team of canine drug detectives, which included springer spaniels and a labrador, searched every nook and cranny in Fayrer and Crawfurd .Not surprisingly, no drugs were detected.
Pupils in the entire M4 year group were then able to watch the dogs in action in the Sports Centre following a presentation about the training of police dogs, their role in the force and how they assist in tackling crime.
Two volunteers had packages of Class A drugs planted on them by the handlers and the dogs – specially trained in drug detection – were used to search the pupils and sniff out the planted drugs.
Amid much hilarity, the dogs quickly singled out the "culprits" and alerted their handlers to the individuals carrying the drugs by passive indication.
Following the demonstration, there was an opportunity for the pupils to ask questions and get up close with the dogs.
PC Weaver then took advantage of the facilities in the Sports Centre for further training of the dogs and their handlers.