More than 40 children a day were expelled from state schools last year after a 15 per cent annual rise, Government figures show.
There were 7,720 expulsions in 2016/17 – up from 6,685 in the previous school year, according to Department for Education data.
The rise comes amid warnings from campaigners that some schools are getting rid of low-achieving pupils to improve their exam results and league table positions. The practice is known as ‘off-rolling’.
Families have complained their children have been expelled on spurious grounds by schools which are keen to boost grade averages.
There were 7,720 expulsions in 2016/17 – up from 6,685 in the previous school year, according to Department for Education data
The latest statistics also show more than 2,000 children per day were temporarily suspended last year. Pupils with special educational needs accounted for almost half of permanent expulsions – 47 per cent – and 45 per cent of suspensions.
Meanwhile poorer pupils – those on free school meals – were around four times more likely to be excluded, permanently or temporarily, than their richer classmates.
Reacting to the figures yesterday, schools minister Nick Gibb said: ‘Schools should only use permanent exclusions as a last resort but we do support teachers in taking proportionate and measured steps to ensure good behaviour in schools.
‘Whilst we know there has been an increase in exclusions there are still fewer than the peak ten years ago. We recognise some groups of pupils are more likely to be excluded than others, which is why we launched an externally led review to look at how schools are using exclusions and why certain groups are disproportionately affected.’
While persistent disruptive behaviour remains the most common reason for exclusion, there has also been a rise for other reasons including sexual misconduct, racial abuse and physical and verbal assault.
Families have complained their children have been expelled on spurious grounds by schools which are keen to boost grade averages.
School leaders suggested the increase was down to a squeeze on school budgets.
Geoff Barton, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: ‘We are concerned this increase in exclusions is a result of the school funding crisis and cuts to local children’s services. Schools have had to cut back on the individual support they give students, making it more difficult to provide early intervention and prevent behavioural problems from escalating.’
A DfE spokesman said: ‘Any decision to exclude a pupil should be lawful, reasonable and fair, and must be formally recorded by the school. Our guidance outlines that a permanent exclusion should be used as a last resort, how exclusions should be used, and includes summaries for schools and parents on the rules of exclusions.’