VIOLENT behaviour, drugs and alcohol issues are responsible for a fifth of all primary and secondary school exclusions in Warrington.

Figures from the Department for Education (DfE), and analysed by Newsquest's Data Investigations Unit, show that between 2017 and 2018, 1,274 school pupils were excluded in the borough.

Of this number, 21 per cent were due to a physical assault against a pupil, an adult or because of drug and alcohol related issues, a decrease from previous years.

A table of the figures for Warrington can be found below:

 

 

While the amount of fixed-period and permanent exclusions for the 2017/18 school year in Warrington rose since 2016/17, the percentage of children excluded for violence or substance misuse decreased.

This is also a significantly lower number than in other parts of the country.

In both Southampton and Croydon, 40 per cent of children were excluded for violence and substance-related problems in 2017/18.

Slough showed the highest figures of 41 per cent in 2016/17 and 43 per cent in 2015/16.

Where pupils are excluded, the DfE said the quality of education they receive should be no different than mainstream settings.

A spokesperson added: "The government supports headteachers in using exclusion as a sanction where warranted.

"That means backing heads to use their powers to issue fixed-period exclusions in response to poor behaviour and to permanently exclude as a last resort.

"While fixed-period exclusion rates have risen, permanent exclusion rates have remained stable, and they are both lower than they were a decade ago.

"Permanent exclusion remains a rare event."

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: "It’s up to individual schools to follow the national exclusions guidance, with support and guidance from the council.

"Exclusion data is regularly reported to and monitored by senior managers.

"We work with schools to address any trends and put appropriate support in place.

"We’re committed to working with schools to support inclusion and a key priority for us all is to support often vulnerable or troubled children to ensure they stay in school and receive a good education."