THE number of pupils on detention dropped by a third at a secondary school after high energy drinks were banned.

The issue of sugary caffeine drinks was brought to the attention of staff at Haydock High School by pupils keen to look at the impact on their learning and behaviour.

They approached the head teacher Dee Griffiths to see if it was feasible to ban such drinks in the school.

She told the Star: “I agreed for two reasons; firstly research would suggest that levels of concentration among some young people are negatively affected by the consumption of highly sugared energy drinks.

“Therefore, some students who use these cannot learn at their best."Secondly, the consumption of vast quantities of ‘empty calories’ can lead to innumerate health concerns including obesity and dental issues.”

Concerns over energy drinks among the young was raised last year by health chief Liz Gaulton, who stressed that they provide no nutritional value and contribute towards increasing obesity rates.

Mrs Griffiths said a plan was put in place as Year 8 students spoke to the student council and designed a water bottle which was financed by the fundraising group the Friends of Haydock. She added: “As a result, more than 95 per cent of the students in Years 7, 8 and 9 signed the pledge in exchange for new water bottles.

“There was less take-up in Key Stage Four, but numbers were nevertheless were higher than 70 per cent. A letter was also sent out to parents to inform them what we planned to do.”

Achievement and levels of progress continue to rise, she said, and there has been a marked level in pupils' behaviour during the last two terms after the school changed its policy.

Mrs Griffiths suggested research shows that children who use highly caffeinated, sugary drinks can be aggressive and distracted, so any improvement in behaviour at the school could be down to them being banned.

“Of course there are always a few students who are somewhat disgruntled at losing their energy drinks to the clutches of the staff but when our students are prepared to voice their concerns it’s only right we listen and act."