‘A worrying trend’: Newham schools top exclusions count of inner London boroughs, latest figures show

School exclusion rates have been published. Picture PA/Dave Thompson PA Wire/PA Images

Schools in Newham issued more exclusions last year than in any other inner London borough, figures have revealed.

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Local assistant branch secretary of the NUT Iain Hale said it was likely African, African-Caribbean and white working class children were hit hardest. Pic: ELLIE HOSKINS Local assistant branch secretary of the NUT Iain Hale said it was likely African, African-Caribbean and white working class children were hit hardest. Pic: ELLIE HOSKINS

State-funded primaries, secondaries and special schools in Newham issued 2,186 fixed period exclusions punishing 1,115 youngsters out of 62,135 by telling them to stay away from school for a set length of time.

Of the total, 471 exclusions were issued for attacks on pupils and 193 for assaulting adults. There were 311 for verbally abusing adults.

Newham schools were followed by Hackney’s with 1,924 fixed period exclusions. Of all London boroughs Enfield school’s issued most at 2,951. City of London’s issued least – three.

Iain Hale, assistant secretary of the Newham branch of teachers’ trade union the National Education Union, said exclusions were always disappointing.

Martin Powell-Davies from the National Education Union. Pic: MARTIN POWELL-DAVIES Martin Powell-Davies from the National Education Union. Pic: MARTIN POWELL-DAVIES

“But lots of students who end up excluded have additional needs,” he said before blaming central government funding cuts.

Schools haven’t got the money to keep support staff who would have helped students with behaviour and special educational needs, Mr Hale said.

Without help those students struggled to succeed.

“No school takes [exclusions] lightly. It’s a last resort,” he added before warning African, African-Caribbean and white working class children were likely excluded most.