**Sharp Rise in Permanent Exclusions Raises Concerns over Behaviour in Bridgend Schools**
Schools across Bridgend are facing rising difficulties with student behaviour, following a surge in both permanent and fixed-term exclusions in recent years. Local authority figures reveal that the number of permanent exclusions within Bridgend county borough schools has tripled since the 2021-22 academic year—a trend that is drawing significant attention from educators, councillors, and the wider community.
According to data shared at a recent council scrutiny committee, the 2023-24 school year saw 30 students permanently excluded, a striking increase from just nine exclusions recorded two years prior. Notably, these figures include both primary and secondary school pupils, with seven permanent exclusions in the primary sector and 23 in secondary schools. Beyond permanent exclusions, the report highlighted a substantial number of fixed-term exclusions. In total, 1,589 fixed-term exclusions were issued in 2023-24, amounting to 2,953.5 school days lost to exclusion across the academic year.
Educational officers attributed the worsening behaviour to several interlinked factors. The lingering impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic were cited as a major contributor, having led to increased mental health challenges among young people, stretched school resources, and heightened pressures in family and social settings. These dynamics, officers explained, collectively fuelled a rise in classroom disruptions and more extreme behavioural incidents, ultimately resulting in more frequent exclusions.
In response to these concerning patterns, the local authority has unveiled a suite of strategies aimed at tackling both behaviour and attendance issues. Among them is the “Miss School, Miss Out” campaign, which seeks to boost attendance and reinforce the importance of regular school engagement. The plan also includes ongoing professional development for teachers and support staff, equipping them with up-to-date strategies to manage disruptions more effectively.
Engagement with parents and carers has also been identified as a key component of the authority’s approach. The role of family engagement officers, already shown to be valuable in connecting schools with families and supporting at-risk pupils, is set to be bolstered. These officers facilitate communication and collaboration between home and school, addressing underlying issues before they escalate.
Additionally, efforts such as the Inspire 2 Work/Achieve programme are being promoted to assist young people—particularly those aged 11 to 25—who may be at risk of disengaging from education or training. This scheme aims to provide tailored support, helping vulnerable learners to remain in school or transition successfully into employment.
At the scrutiny meeting, councillor Martyn Jones, cabinet member for education and youth services, underscored his personal commitment to tackling the rising tide of exclusions. He implored parents to partner with schools and specialists in curbing disruptive behaviour, stressing shared responsibility for young people’s wellbeing and achievement.
Meanwhile, concerns were raised over recent budgetary challenges. Councillor Alex Williams questioned whether a 24% reduction in funding for counselling services was appropriate in light of the current behavioural climate. Councillor Jones replied that difficult financial decisions had been forced upon the authority due to wider budget constraints, highlighting the broader challenges faced by schools attempting to maintain support services under pressure.
School leaders offered their perspectives, with one headteacher revealing he had issued more permanent exclusions in the last two years than during his previous 14 years in the role. Despite these figures, the council noted that the majority of Bridgend pupils remain engaged and positive in their learning, with problems often centred on a relatively small group of individuals.
Looking ahead, the authority acknowledged that more than two-thirds of schools in Bridgend are projected to run budget deficits in 2024-25, which could further impact the resources available for behaviour management and support services. Nevertheless, recent statistics indicate that attendance rates in both primary and secondary schools have shown improvement since 2021 and now sit above the all-Wales average, offering a glimmer of optimism amidst broader concerns.
Continued collaboration among schools, families, local authorities, and other stakeholders will be crucial to reversing the trend of exclusions and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment for all pupils in Bridgend. The issue remains a high priority as educational leaders seek to address the complex challenges that have emerged in the wake of the pandemic and ongoing financial constraints.