FIGURES reveal which schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole excluded pupils most often in 2020-21.

Department for Education figures released this summer show there were a total of 2,995 permanent or temporary exclusions across the 98 state schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the 2020-21 academic year.

This works out at a rate of 5.8 exclusions for every 100 pupils, above the average of 4.3 across England.

And of the 92 schools in the area with at least 100 pupils, this rate was highest at Oak Academy, a state-funded secondary school.

The secondary converter academy ordered two permanent exclusions and 168 temporary exclusions, a rate of 39.2 per 100 pupils.

The schools with the highest exclusion rates in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in 2020-21 were:

  1. Oak Academy – state-funded secondary – 39.2 exclusions per 100 pupils
  2. The Cornerstone Academy – state-funded secondary – 36.8
  3. Heathlands Primary Academy – state-funded primary – 36
  4. The Bourne Academy – state-funded secondary – 33.8
  5. The Grange School – state-funded secondary – 32.9

 

All five schools were contacted by the Daily Echo for comment.

Hayley Richley, principal at Oak Academy, said: "Oak Academy is an inclusive school but we are also committed to high expectations of pupil behaviour.

"We follow the national exclusions guidance set out by government and have implemented a behaviour policy that is clearly understood by all members of the school community."

Jy Taylor, executive headteacher at The Grange School said: “The Ofsted inspection report of The Grange School in December 2021 accurately recognised and celebrated The Grange School’s rapid improvement journey.

“The report commented that 'teachers and pupils respect each other. Pupils’ respond well to teachers’ calm approach. As a result, pupils behave well in lessons and around the schools site. The great majority try hard in lessons and listen carefully to their teachers. When pupils find it difficult to meet teachers’ behaviour expectations, leaders take action. This helps these pupils improve their conduct'.

“At The Grange School we rightly continue to have high expectations of our students which validates the successful inspection report and has been recognised by the significant increase in numbers of families wanting to benefit from the high quality learning available across both The Grange School and Twynham School.”

A spokesperson from Heathlands Primary Academy said: “We were pleased to have an OFSTED inspection in June judging the school to be good in every area. Inspectors noted that: ‘Exclusions have reduced and are used appropriately where necessary’.”

At the other end of the scale, 16 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 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.”