SCHOOLS are excluding hundreds of problem pupils every year to stop their poor exam results harming league table positions, a report claims.
More than 1,200 pupils were excluded in the first term of Year 11 in 2016-17 — the point before exams count towards a school’s performance.
Schools exclude hundreds of problem pupils every year to stop poor exam results harming league table positions (stock image)
This compares with just 763 in the second term of Year 11 and 676 in the last term of Year 10.
The Royal Society of Arts said the research suggested schools were gaming the system to artificially boost their league table standings.
It wants future assessments by inspectors from Ofsted to include a grading to reflect whether heads are trying to stop exclusions.
The RSA also wants more investment to strengthen teacher-pupil relationships and to encourage more schools to employ staff to provide behavioural support.
Its report also recommends heads should ensure every child has a relationship with a trusted adult in school
The RSA’s Laura Partridge said: “The number of disadvantaged pupils being excluded from school every day is alarming and should prompt urgent action.
“Pursuing perverse incentives, instead of prioritising quality teacher-pupil relationships, is having a hugely detrimental effect on the life chances of the most vulnerable pupils.
“The consequences of the accountability system are contributing to this rise.”
