An investigation has been launched into allegations of violence among students at Berkeley Institute.

A disciplinary panel of students, teachers and school board members has been assembled to discuss claims that a number of pupils were involved in trouble within the building last week. Panel members would not reveal any details about the alleged incidents last night - but they described the fact a meeting had to be called as ?most disturbing?.

They said it could damage recent efforts to restore public confidence in public education.

Violence would not be tolerated, they stressed, and persistent troublemakers were warned they faced expulsion from the school.

They suggested those students causing problems had been having difficulty ?adjusting? to the school and that measures would be made to help them settle in.

Calvin White, chairman of the board of governors, released a strongly-worded statement about the allegations last night.

In the message, Mr. White pledged there would be a full investigation by the disciplinary panel, which involves representatives of all levels at the school.

?As chairman of the governing body of the Berkeley Institute, I regret to have to confirm that we have had to convene our disciplinary panel to fully investigate allegations of violence within the school last week,? said the statement.

?The need to convene such a panel is most disturbing, especially at a time when we are making real progress in restoring confidence in public education.

?As educators, we will do everything within our power and resources to assist those who are having difficulty adjusting but, ultimately, if there are those who continue to be disruptive we have a responsibility to seek other alternatives.

?And yes, for the avoidance of doubt, that may mean referral to alternative programmes for a period of time or even, as a last resort, outright expulsion.?

Mr. White said the disciplinary panel consisted of board representatives, the Berkeley Educational Society, the Parent Teacher Student Association , members of the teaching faculty, the head boy and head girl, and a student representative.

When contacted by , Mr. White said the board had decided not to reveal any more information at this stage. He declined to comment on the allegations of violence.

?Right now, the statement we have issued is all we are prepared to say,? he said.

?We don?t want to compromise the investigation into the allegations.?

Principal Michelle Simmons was unavailable for comment last night.