Linda Fabiani MSP

assaulting a teacher from additional support needs units.

The threat of violence against teachers accounted for 27 exclusions, 17 of which were primary pupils.

Worringly, there were two pupils expelled, from a high school, for threats of sexual violence against another pupil.

More pupils were excluded from two high schools – 73 from Larkhall Academy and 68 from Calderside Academy – than from all of the area’s primary schools combined.

Just 65 children were excluded from 38 of the 128 primary schools in South Lanarkshire while seven students were excluded from the council’s additional support needs schools.

The council spokesman added: “In South Lanarkshire last year, the number of exclusion incidents per 1000 pupils (21.2) sits favourably against the national rate of 21.6 with 98.7 per cent of learners continuing to be involved in school, which reflects the trend towards looking at alternative options to exclusion.”

Linda Fabiani MSP welcomed that statistic, but said she was still concerned at the amount of school days lost by students.

She said: “Exclusion from school should of course only ever be used as a last resort, with all facts and circumstances should be taken into account when that decision is taken.

“It is crucial that the impact on the pupil, and all those involved, is taken into consideration.

“I understand South Lanarkshire Council’s exclusion rate is lower than the national average, but behind every exclusion there is an individual story.

“Next time I meet with the council’s education department I’ll raise this issue with particular relevance to East Kilbride.”

SouthLanarkshireCouncil’s exclusion rate is lower than the national average, but behind every exclusion there is an individual story