PRESSURE to keep severely disruptive pupils in school and slash the number of expulsions will be debated at independent conference in Bury.

Bury's education chiefs are expected to follow radical Government guidelines to reduce the number of pupils permanently excluded from school.

However, the impact of the change is yet to be seen and many governors are concerned at the strong resistance to all expulsion.

The controversial issue will be high on the agenda at the inaugural independent conference of Bury Governors' Forum at Derby High School on Saturday (October 3).

Forum chairman Rev Laurie Bullas said: "Governors do not permanently exclude pupils without good reason. We have a duty to protect the education of those who want to work."

Government demands for closer monitoring of teachers in the classroom will also feature at the conference. In addition, they will discuss how they can influence policy and support each other through the forum.

The forum was set up seven years ago, mainly to support the local council in its efforts to get a fairer deal for Bury in the distribution of Government grants. It now has its own constitution and budget.

Main speakers at the conference are Mrs Pat Petch, chairman of the National Governors' Council, Bury College principal Dr Helen Gilchrist and Bury schools welfare chief Mr Alan Cogswell.

Mr Bullas - former council leader and education chairman - added: "We are grateful to the authority for their encouragement and support in our change to independence.

"We believe it will help governors cope more effectively with the ever-increasing burden of responsibility imposed on them."

Places are still available at the conference. Any governor wishing to attend can contact Barbara Hutton on 0161 253 6942 as soon as possible.

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