The age of consent for both male and female, heterosexual and homosexual, is 16 although for certain purposes the definition of a child is now anyone under 18.

Since we do not normally accept students under 18 we regard all our students as responsible adults.

If you find yourself in a situation in which you want to engage in sexual relations please ensure that:

• You have thought carefully about what you are doing
• The other person is mature and able to take sensible decisions
• The other person knows what they are doing and is a willing participant
• You practise 'safe sex'. Always use a condom in order to avoid risks of pregnancy or the transmission of any sort of sexual disease, including HIV

Please note that in giving this advice the school is not in any way encouraging people to have sex outside a stable relationship.

It is possible to buy pregnancy testing kits at any chemist.

If you think that you are pregnant and want advice we recommend that you approach the Marie Stopes Clinic which offers confidential advice. It is in the centre of London.

If you think that you may be suffering from a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or want an HIV test, you should go to a clinic which specialises in this area. Treatment is free and anonymous. Local STD clinics are:

Hammersmith

West London Centre for Sexual Health - appointments only

020 8846 1576

Charing Cross Hospital
Fulham Palace Road
W6 8RF

Paddington

Jefferiss Wing - walk-in service, no appointment needed, ring for opening times

020 7886 1225/1697

St Mary's Hospital
Praed Street
W2 1NY

Victoria

Victoria Clinic

020 8746 8066/8700

South Westminster Centre for Sexual Health
82 Vincent Square
SW1P 2PF

The use and possession of all drugs is prohibited by law.

If you are carrying a small amount of drugs for personal use and are caught by the police you will probably receive a police caution and your details will be put on file. However, there are severe penalties for the possession of stronger drugs (eg cocaine, heroin) and for selling drugs of all sorts.

Our strong advice is that you should avoid all drug use.

It is absolutely forbidden to bring any drugs onto the school premises and anyone found to be doing so will be asked to leave the school immediately.