Cuts blamed as pupil expulsion total soars 15%

LAST RESORT Nick Gibb THE number of pupils expelled by schools has risen 15.5% in a year, with heads blaming funding cuts.

The total climbed from 6,685 to 7,720, meaning 41 pupils are kicked out permanently each school day, Government figures show. The number of suspensions rose from 339,360 to 381,865 – an increase of 12.5% to 2,010 a day.

Persistent disruptive behaviour was the most common reason, making up 36% of expulsions and 28% of suspensions.

There was also a rise in pupils being kicked out for assaults, sexual misconduct, racism and drugs.

Head teachers’ body NAHT said budgets were “at breaking point”, adding: “Measures to ensure good behaviour and support for pupils are under threat.” Schools minister Nick Gibb said heads should only expel pupils “as a last resort”.