Region has highest school exclusions in county

Figures on school exclusion have been released by the Department for Education

West Berkshire has the highest number of school exclusions in the county, according to government figures.

In the 2022-23 autumn term, 1,263 students were suspended from school in the area, which covers areas including Newbury, Hungerford, Pangbourne and Thatcham.

The figure is more than double that for the second highest area in the county, Bracknell Forest.

In the same term, 11 pupils were permanently expelled in West Berkshire - also the highest figure in the county.

Of these, two were from special schools, two from primary schools and seven from secondary schools.

Bracknell Forest had the second highest number of suspensions, with 588 taking place in the autumn term. It was closely followed by Reading, with 569.

In England, permanent exclusion numbers have increased compared to previous terms.

There were 3,100 in the autumn term 2022-23 - up from 2,100 in the same period in 2021-22, although still a slight decrease from pre-pandemic levels.

Across the country, the most common reason for suspensions and permanent exclusions was persistent disruptive behaviour.

The total number of exclusions and suspensions for the full 2022-23 academic year will not be available until July 2024.