Our Lady and St John Catholic College had highest exclusion rate

Department for Education figures show there were a total of 813 permanent or temporary exclusions across the 70 state schools in Blackburn with Darwen in the 2020-21 academic year.

This works out at a rate of 3.0 exclusions for every 100 pupils – well below the average of 4.3 across England.

Of the 66 schools in the area with at least 100 pupils, this rate was highest at Our Lady and St John Catholic College – a state-funded secondary school in North Road with around 750 students.

Our Lady and St John Catholic College (Image: Lancashire Telegraph)

The institution ordered one permanent exclusion and 164 temporary exclusions – a rate of 21.2 per 100 pupils.

Headteacher, Peter Tite said: "The Government recognises that exclusions are essential behaviour management tools for headteachers to establish high standards of behaviour.

"Our exclusions were reducing each year before the Covid Pandemic. They increased while we managed the pandemic restrictions and re-established our high expectations after lockdown.

"Our recent OFSTED inspection in June this year found that behaviour was good, lessons were calm and purposeful and that disruption and bullying were rare and well dealt with.

"I make no apologies for dealing firmly with poor behaviour as this is what our parents expect."

At the other end of the scale, 25 schools in the area did not exclude a single pupil.

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

1. Our Lady and St John Catholic College, Blackburn – 21.2 exclusions per 100 pupils
2. Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio – 19.6
3. Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Roman Catholic Primary School, Blackburn – state-funded primary – 9.7
4. Darwen Vale High School  – 8
5. Blackburn Central High School – 7.7

Around 37 per cent 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.

Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School (Image: Google)

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 spokesperson added: "We are clear permanent exclusions 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.”