SOCIAL services chiefs have been asked to investigate claims of a breakdown in pupil behaviour at Stonyhurst College.

A file from an unnamed source was sent to the Department for Education and Employment containing a complaint that pupils at the top independent Catholic school took part in a mass streak, and added claims of sexual acts among pupils, a sexual assault, drunkenness, drug-taking, pupils "being given access to" the morning-after pill and assaults on staff and possession of weapons.

Stonyhurst admitted the streak took place at the end of June but dismissed the other claims as "a gross misrepresentation and distortion of the facts."

A spokesman for the independent schools' registration team at the DfEE, which is investigating the claims, said: "We have asked the local social services department to consider the issue. Once they've reported back we will consider what, if any, action is appropriate."

A Stonyhurst spokesman said: "In common with all independent boarding schools, Stonyhurst College is regularly visited by inspectors from the social services. Their reports have been positive and favourable with regard to our child care procedures and we enjoy an excellent working relationship with them.

"Should social services inspectors wish to visit the school in response to the file sent by the DfEE we shall be pleased to welcome them and afford them every facility."

No-one was available to comment at Lancashire County Council.

The Secretary of State has the power to serve a notice of complaint on any independent school where there is sustainable evidence of failure to meet the standard of the Education Act 1996.

The school must remedy deficiencies specified in the notice of complaint within a given timescale. Failure to do so could result in the school's closure.

Did you take part in the streak? Contact our newsdesk on 01254 678678, email let_editorial@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk