MORE than 2,000 pupils were excluded from Bolton's schools last year, figures show.

New data from the Department for Education show that 2,155 suspensions were issued in 2015/16, up from 1,970 the previous year.

The number of permanent exclusions handed out went from ten in 2014/15 to 47 last year.

The main reason for permanent exclusions was 'persistent disruptive behaviour', accounting for 18 of them, seven were handed out for physical assault against an adult.

Permanent exclusions were given out three times for a physical assault against a pupil, four times for threatening a pupil and four times for threatening an adult and the remaining seven were categorised as other.

Of the temporary suspensions that were handed out, persistent disruptive behaviour was also the most common reason, handed out on 570 occasions.

For verbal abuse and threatening behaviour towards an adult, 427 suspensions were given out.

The number of suspensions for racist abuse almost doubled from 20 to 38 between the two years.

Of the 47 permanent exclusions that were given to pupils, eight were given to children still at primary school.

However, some of the reasons for a suspension decreased.

The number of suspensions for sexual misconduct and drug and alcohol misuse both fell by around half to 12 and 61 retrospectively.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We work very closely with our schools to promote good behaviour and a safe environment in the classroom. We commission a pupil referral service through Bolton Impact Trust which provides additional support where necessary.

"While exclusions have risen, these represent a small percentage of the school population and reflect rises nationally. Our behaviour support service continues to work with parents and schools to help children and young people.”