FIGURES reveal which schools in Wiltshire excluded pupils most often last year.

The Children's Society has called for stronger government guidance on the issue, after data revealed the "huge differences" in the rate of exclusions in schools across England.

Department for Education figures show there were a total of 3,038 permanent or temporary exclusions across the 236 state schools in Wiltshire in the 2020-21 academic year.

This works out at a rate of 4.3 exclusions for every 100 pupils – equal to the average across England.

Avon Valley Academy stood out with a 159 per cent higher exclusion rate than the national average, putting it at the number one spot of the 194 Wiltshire schools with at least 100 pupils.

The secondary converter academy ordered no permanent exclusions but carried out 153 temporary exclusions – a rate of 37.4 per 100 pupils.

At the other end of the scale, 71 schools in the area did not exclude a single pupil.

Around 37% of schools across England did not suspend or permanently exclude any students in 2020-21, while almost a dozen issued more exclusions than they have pupils.

Why do exclusion numbers vary?

The Children’s Society said there may be a number of reasons for the wide discrepancies in exclusion numbers between schools.

Iryna Pona, policy and impact manager for the organisation, said: "Behavioural issues that could lead to exclusion, are often an indicator of larger issues children are experiencing, such as unmet special educational needs, bullying, abuse or exploitation.

“Some schools may have more children that require additional support, some may lack resources or awareness and training so they don’t know how to support the child and tackle any issues before resorting to excluding.

“Whatever the reason, the numbers show that there is the lack of consistent child centred approach that allows for the needs of the child to be understood and supported across all schools in the same way that would reduce the number of exclusions."

She also called for stronger government guidance that requires schools to work with partners in social care and the community to ensure greater oversight of exclusion decisions.

The schools with the highest exclusion rates in Wiltshire in 2020-21 were:

  • Avon Valley Academy – state-funded secondary – 37.4 exclusions per 100 pupils
  • Wyvern College – state-funded secondary – 20.1
  • Melksham Oak Community School – state-funded secondary – 17.4
  • Kingsbury Green Academy – state-funded secondary – 16.4
  • The Springfields Academy – special – 15.1

The Acorn Education Trust took on Avon Valley Academy in May 2022. A spokesperson said this meant "inheriting a range of challenges which included exceptionally high exclusion rates".

The spokesperson added:" Since Avon Valley has joined Acorn, a new leadership team has been put in place and exclusions have been reduced by approximately 80%. The academy now has a range of systems and support to ensure that students remain in school and engaged in their education whenever possible.

"Avon Valley is now benefitting from the experience and support of Acorn Education Trust, investment in new staff and resources, and the appointments of Jon Edy-Berry (Head of School) and Rob Price (Executive Headteacher), both of whom have extensive experience of leading inclusive and successful schools.

"Avon Valley Academy is committed to disruption-free learning and the provision of high-quality education for all."

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 added: "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.”

The full data set for academic year 2020-21 is available from the government's website, click here to find out more.

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