Alcohol & Drug Misuse

We make every reasonable effort to ensure that the welfare and activities of others are not put at risk by the misuse of alcohol or illegal/controlled substances.

The legal drinking age in the UK is 18. Misusing alcohol, especially in public, can be a criminal offence and can lead to arrest and prosecution.

Students who are under 18 should not ask older students to buy alcohol for them. Those who are over 18 should not agree to buy alcohol for those who are under-age.

The Academy prohibits the possession, use and distribution of any controlled or illegal drug by any student or staff member (except in the case of controlled medication that has been prescribed for the possession and use by that individual).

The possession, use, and distribution of controlled or illegal drugs may be a criminal offence that can lead to arrest and prosecution. Further details about the UK Misuse of Drugs Act and penalties/legal sanctions that are applicable to those who contravene it are available from the Home Office (UK Government) website Drugs and the Law.

Taking part in any Academy activity as part of your programme of study while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is not permitted. Doing this will be counted as misconduct under the definitions contained in the Academy’s Regulations, and can lead directly to disciplinary action being taken against you under the Student Disciplinary Code. This can ultimately result in the termination of studentship.

The Academy is committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of its students and staff and will ensure that any student or staff member with alcohol or substance dependency problems has the opportunity to be directed to support for a range of matters including Alcohol and Drugs misuse via our support services.

Please visit the Student & Staff Support web pages on the Academy's intranet where you will also find self-help and other useful information.