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Pupil exclusions continue to rise Pupil exclusions continue to rise
(30 minutes later)
The number of exclusions from Scotland's local authority schools has risen for the fourth consecutive year, according to new figures.The number of exclusions from Scotland's local authority schools has risen for the fourth consecutive year, according to new figures.
Scottish Executive statistics revealed that there were 42,990 exclusions in 2005/2006, an increase of 2% on last year's figures.Scottish Executive statistics revealed that there were 42,990 exclusions in 2005/2006, an increase of 2% on last year's figures.
The number of exclusions has risen each year since 2002/03.The number of exclusions has risen each year since 2002/03.
More than 30% of exclusions involved disobedience while 25% were triggered by the verbal abuse of staff.
There were 5,779 exclusions from local authority primary schools, equivalent to 15 per 1,000 pupils.There were 5,779 exclusions from local authority primary schools, equivalent to 15 per 1,000 pupils.
The figures showed that the number of girls excluded has been rising. In 1999, boys accounted for 81% of all of the exclusions from Scotland's council-run schools but that figure has gone down to 78%.The figures showed that the number of girls excluded has been rising. In 1999, boys accounted for 81% of all of the exclusions from Scotland's council-run schools but that figure has gone down to 78%.
The annual report makes it clear that some pupils could be excluded several times in the course of the year.The annual report makes it clear that some pupils could be excluded several times in the course of the year.
The report revealed that:The report revealed that:
  • Primary schools accounted for 5,779 exclusions, a 9% increase on the previous year;
  • Primary schools accounted for 5,779 exclusions, a 9% increase on the previous year;
  • Secondary school exclusions went up by 2% to 35,513;
  • Secondary school exclusions went up by 2% to 35,513;
  • Most exclusions were temporary but 264 pupils were removed from registers, a fall of 3%;
  • Most exclusions were temporary but 264 pupils were removed from registers, a fall of 3%;
  • About 31% of exclusions involved "general or persistent disobedience";
  • About 31% of exclusions involved "general or persistent disobedience";
  • A further 25% involved verbal abuse of teachers and other staff and 15% involved "insolent or offensive behaviour".
  • A further 25% involved verbal abuse of teachers and other staff and 15% involved "insolent or offensive behaviour".
    • The actual number of youngsters excluded was about 22,500, or 3% of the school population.The actual number of youngsters excluded was about 22,500, or 3% of the school population.
    Of these, more than half were excluded once during the year - but 19% were excluded twice.Of these, more than half were excluded once during the year - but 19% were excluded twice.
    Education Minister Hugh Henry said: "Excluding a pupil is always a last resort and never a decision a head teacher takes lightly.Education Minister Hugh Henry said: "Excluding a pupil is always a last resort and never a decision a head teacher takes lightly.
    "However, it's right that they have recourse to this ultimate sanction when they feel it is necessary."However, it's right that they have recourse to this ultimate sanction when they feel it is necessary.
    "Violence is always unacceptable but it's important to keep this in perspective. Our schools are not battlegrounds and the vast majority of pupils are well-behaved.""Violence is always unacceptable but it's important to keep this in perspective. Our schools are not battlegrounds and the vast majority of pupils are well-behaved."
    Of the increase in the number of girls excluded, a Scottish Executive spokeswoman said: "Obviously we will look at this and see if it is a trend that continues.Of the increase in the number of girls excluded, a Scottish Executive spokeswoman said: "Obviously we will look at this and see if it is a trend that continues.
    "Girls tend to be excluded more for non-violence - perhaps things like the use of alcohol, while boys are far more likely to be excluded for violence.""Girls tend to be excluded more for non-violence - perhaps things like the use of alcohol, while boys are far more likely to be excluded for violence."
    About 0.4% of all expulsions resulted from substance abuse while 0.3% were the result of alcohol abuse.