A record number of suspensions recorded at schools in Bolton has caused "deep concern".

Borough schools reported the highest amount of suspensions in the autumn term last year, new figures show, the highest number of any term since comparable figures began in the 2016-17 academic year.

The Department for Education data reveals there were 1,746 suspensions of students at Bolton schools during the 2022-23 autumn term – up from 1,434 across the same period the year before.

Nationally, there were more than 247,000 suspensions during the autumn term last year – a record high and a substantial increase on almost 184,000 in the 2021-22 autumn term.

In the 124 schools in Bolton, the most suspensions (1,561) were given at secondary schools, while there were 159 at primary schools and 26 suspensions at special schools.

In England, the overall suspension rate was 2.96, meaning there were 296 suspensions per 10,000 students. This was higher for schools in Bolton, where the rate was 3.31.

Permanent exclusions were also on the rise last year, with 3,100 students expelled from schools during the autumn term – 1,000 more than the year before.

In Bolton, 29 pupils had to look for a new school after being expelled.

Robert Poole a National Education Union member, said: “I am deeply concerned about the record breaking number of suspensions and permanent exclusions in Bolton schools during the autumn term last year.

“These figures are a cause for alarm and reflect a deeply troubling trend of punitive and exclusionary practices in our schools.

“The overuse of suspensions and permanent exclusions is not only harmful to individual students but also detrimental to the overall learning environment.

“These measures disrupt students' education, damage their self-esteem, and can lead to social exclusion.

“They also exacerbate existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“The root cause of these problems lies in the government's neoliberal education policies, which prioritise test scores and league tables over the holistic development of all students.

“This narrow focus leads to a punitive approach to discipline, where schools are encouraged to remove disruptive students rather than address the underlying causes of their behaviour.

“The National Education Union is committed to fighting for a more equitable and just education system where all students have the opportunity to thrive.

“I urge the government to take urgent action to address the issue of suspensions and permanent exclusions.

“We need to invest in school counselling and support services, CAMHS funding and provide adequate training for teachers, and create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

“Only then can we ensure that every student in Bolton has the opportunity to receive a quality education and reach their full potential.”

In response, a Department for Education spokesperson said: “We back heads to use suspensions and permanent exclusions where required as part of behaviour management, so they can provide calm, safe, and supportive environments where both pupils and staff can work in safety and are respected.

“However, we are clear that permanent exclusion should only be used as a last resort and should not mean exclusion for education.

“We have issued updated statutory guidance making clear that early intervention should be put in place where pupils are at risk of being permanently excluded and entering alternative provision and have invested £10 million in the Behaviour Hubs programme to support schools to improve behaviour.”

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