A 14-year-old boy has been excluded from one of Brad-ford's top-performing schools after he was caught dealing drugs.

Senior staff at Ilkley Grammar School called in police following the incident involving the year nine student.

The pupil, who has not been named, was taken by officers from the school in Cowpasture Lane to his home where he was given an official caution in front of his parents. A quantity of what is thought to be cannabis was seized and destroyed.

In a joint statement, the school's head teacher Gillian James and chairman of governors Michael Noble said: "Following an incident involving drugs on the school premises, a year nine student has been excluded from school. The matter is in the hands of the police. The school takes any issue involving drugs very seriously and is committed to taking appropriate action."

The school would not say whether the pupil had been permanently expelled or temporarily suspended.

Detective Inspector Shaun Berry, of Keighley CID, said extra drugs-prevention work would take place at the school.

He said: "One youth was taken home to his parents and a small amount of a substance, believed to be cannabis, was seized.

"It's unlikely that under current Government legislation there will be any further action taken other than the youth being cautioned for possession. However, we will continue to work with this school and others in relation to taking positive action against drugs being found on school premises."

A source close to the school, who did not want to be named, told the Telegraph & Argus: "This is a worrying incident and part of a trend among younger pupils.

"For drugs to be rife among pupils as young as 13 and 14 is a real worry. It would perhaps be understandable if this was an incident involving older pupils in the sixth form but not year nine."

The Government downgraded cannabis to a Class C drug six months ago and although police still have the power to make arrests for possession, cautions are advised to be given.

In a controversial national scheme, police and private security firms are sending sniffer dogs into at least 100 secondary schools in England and Wales. But it is not likely to happen in Bradford because the authorities here say they are already tackling the issue through education.

Last year Ilkley Grammar School topped the list of Brad-ford's comprehensive schools for GCSE results with 73 per cent of pupils gaining at least five GCSEs at grade A* to C. It also posted some of the best results for 14-year-olds. The school was second in the district when pupils' aggregate scores for attaining level five and above in English, maths and science Key Stage 3 results were calculated.