HALTON had the highest rate of secondary school exclusions per 100 pupils in the Merseyside region in 2016/17 according to Government figures.

A council report published last month also found that while that figure decreased in 2017/2018, the rate of exclusions was still 'unacceptably high' and more than twice the national average.

The rate of exclusions in primary schools also increased in the past academic year.

The council report provided a more in-depth list of reasons for exclusions than most other authorities, and revealed that in the last four school years, reasons for exclusions included one case of sex texting, seven cases of sexual misconduct, four cases cases of possession of a gun and 18 cases of possession of a knife.

But, like Liverpool, the main reason was ‘disruptive behaviour’ – and those with special education or social emotional and mental health needs were most likely to be kicked out.

In Halton, where exclusion rates are the highest, council officers are making a joint application with neighbouring borough St Helen’s to establish a new school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

If approved, the school will provide about 50 places for young people with issues such as autism and challenging behaviour, and neighbouring authorities will also be invited to commission places at this school.