Sheffield’s King Edward VII upper allowed some smokers to “walk around the block” for a fag in January, as part of a project to encourage them to quit the habit and stop them lighting up on school premises. The project, which began without some parents’ and governors’ knowledge, was opposed by anti-smoking groups and teaching unions.

Headteacher Michael Lewis this week confirmed that the experiment finished at half-term. Students are being informed, and the initiative is being evaluated with the support of health professionals.

“We are going to try to encourage pupils to join quit-smoking groups in a renewed effort to persuade hardcore smokers to kick the habit. We will continue the strong anti-smoking message in our personal health and social education programme,” he added.