Figures show increasing permanent exclusions

Increasing numbers of pupils are being excluded from schools,
according to figures published by the schools minister today,
writes Clare Jerrom.

Jacqui Smith revealed that exclusions are up by 6 per cent from
2003-4. The number of pupils being reinstated to a school where
they were formerly excluded from is also down from 150 in 2002-3 to
130 in 2003-4 from a total of 9,880 permanent exclusions.

“The government has made tackling poor behaviour a major
priority,” said Smith. “We want a zero tolerance
approach to disruptive behaviour in all our schools on everything
from backchat to bullying or violence.

The figures also show that attendance in secondary schools has
improved with an extra 3,000 pupils attending school each day
compared to last year.