Figures reveal which schools in Cumbria excluded pupils most often last year.

Department for Education figures show there were a total of 3,040 permanent or fixed-term exclusions across the 313 state schools in Cumbria in the 2020-21 academic year.

Of the 3,040, 106 exclusions were linked to deliberate breaches of coronavirus regulations - a figure which has risen as it stood at 2,515 in  2019-20.

The 3,040 exclusion figure works out at a rate of 4.3 exclusions for every 100 pupils – equal to the average across England.

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However, of the 196 schools in the area with at least 100 pupils, this rate was highest at Richard Rose Central Academy – a state-funded secondary school.

The secondary academy ordered four permanent exclusions and 376 fixed-term exclusions – a rate of 40 per cent pupils.

A spokesperson for the Academy said: "Over the past 18 months, we have worked hard to re-establish a culture of high expectations across our school, as students returned to their classrooms following the initial Covid lockdown. This was reflected in our strong GCSE and A Level results which we celebrated this summer.

Since the 2020/21 academic year, our suspension rate has reduced significantly – demonstrating the positive, productive learning environment we now have across our school

"The figures you are quoting are from two years ago. A great deal has changed since then and we are extremely proud of the positive trajectory the school is on. This is reflected in our increased popularity and in the close and excellent relationship we have with the families we serve," they said. 

St Bernard's Catholic High School, a state-funded secondary had the second highest exclusion rate at 25 per cent. 

Followed by Energy Coast UTC at 23 per cent, Walney School at 19 per cent and Netherhall School at 18 per cent.

At the other end of the scale, 102 schools in the area did not exclude a single pupil.

The Department for Education said it supports headteachers to choose how and when to use suspensions to maintain a calm, safe, and supportive environment.

A spokeswoman said: "We are clear that permanent exclusion should only be used when absolutely necessary, as a last resort and this should not mean exclusion from education.

"Our updated statutory guidance, coming into force this academic year, sets out how and when to use suspensions in particular circumstances as a behaviour tool, and supports decisions to exclude when required.”

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