Permanent school expulsions in Gateshead are "too high" and above the national average - with one child permanently excluded for "stealing acid".
Shocking figures from Gateshead Council reveal that between 2021 and 2022, 52 children were permanently excluded from their schools, with only two expulsions reversed. Of these, 31 of the ex-pupils were removed for "persistent disruptive behaviour".
However, more serious altercations have also been recorded including:
- Nine pupils excluded for assaulting either teachers or other pupils
- One pupil excluded for a racist incident
- Four pupils excluded for drink or drug-related incidents
- One pupil excluded for bullying
- One pupil excluded for a knife-related incident
- One pupil excluded for "stealing acid"
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One school, known only as "School G" in council documents, permanently removed 10 pupils in one year, with one case overturned.
The number of male pupils expelled dwarfed the female expulsions at 41 boys to 11 girls. The number of expulsions has been on the increase since 2019/20, with 38 recorded permanent exclusions.
Gateshead's fixed term exclusions (a maximum of 45 days out of the school year) were recorded at 2,287 in 2021/22. According to Gateshead council: "The rate of suspensions over the three-year period is significantly above the national average. It is a figure on the rise."
Council documents state the rates of permanent are "too high" and acknowledge the impact being removed from school can have on kids.
The report claimed: "Research highlights that pupils who are excluded are at greater risk of having poorer educational outcomes, more fragile to criminal and sexual exploitation and have reduced life chances.
"In 2021-2022 boys represented the highest number of permanent exclusions that were issued and upheld. They are approximately three times more fragile to permanent exclusion than girls. This is a trend continued from the previous year.
"Key Stage 3 was the phase where most permanent exclusions were issued and upheld."
Gateshead councillors will discuss the exclusion report at the civic centre on January 19 2023.
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