STATE schools across west Cheshire handed out 1,783 exclusions in just one year, according to the most recent Government figures.

Primary, secondary and special schools made 25 permanent exclusions, and 1,758 fixed-term exclusions in 2015-16.

The most common reason for permanent exclusion was persistent disruptive behaviour, with 12 exclusions handed out for this, while five were made for verbal abuse or threatening behaviour towards an adult.

Meanwhile, the most common reason for fixed-term exclusion was also persistent disruptive behaviour, with 547 exclusions handed out for this.

Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour towards an adult led to 475 fixed-term exclusions, while physical assault against a pupil led to 243 exclusions.

The figures mark a 10 per cent drop in total exclusions from the previous year, when 1,980 exclusions were made in west Cheshire, although the number of permanent exclusions rose from 20.

Cllr James Pearson, Cheshire West and Chester Council member for Davenham and Moulton, is a governor at Davenham C of E Primary School, and previously served in the same role at Altrincham Boys Grammar School and Manor High School, in Sale.

He believes the decision to exclude students is made as a ‘last resort’ by schools – but it is a necessary one to maintain the education of other youngsters.

“I can’t recall any exclusions at Davenham, but at my old schools we took exclusions very seriously, when all other options had been explored,” he said.

“But to have a disruptive child in class has a massive impact on the education of other pupils.

“There are many socio-economic factors involved. From my experience there were issues with children not having breakfast, before causing distractions from 11am.

"So you have to look at the bigger picture, but sometimes exclusion is in the best interests of all involved.”

Neighbouring east Cheshire had more exclusions in 2015-16, with 1,995 fixed-term exclusions and 41 permanent exclusions.