SCHOOLS expelled dozens of pupils in Swindon for breaking coronavirus safety precautions during the pandemic.

Department for Education figures show that "wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures" was a reason given for 46 temporary exclusions in the 2020-21 academic year.

These exclusions affected 30 secondary school students, one primary school pupil, and 15 youngsters at special schools.

Children across England were excluded 12,965 times for reasons including non-compliance with social distancing, causing distress by purposefully coughing near others, or any other deliberate breach of a school's public health measures.

Last year was the first time schools could provide different reasonsfor each exclusion.

Association of School and College Leaders policy director Julie McCulloch said schools worked hard to keep pupils and staff safe during the pandemic, and it was not unreasonable that young people should be expected to comply with these measures.

But Stephen Morgan MP, Labour’s shadow schools minister, said: “The Conservatives have created deep divides in school exclusions, with the lack of clear guidance, especially during the pandemic, threatening children’s futures and failing communities.

“The government’s own independent review highlights the need to tackle exclusions and ensure children are supported in order to improve life chances.

“No parent wants to see their child excluded from school but the Conservatives have treated our children and their future opportunities as an afterthought.”

In Swindon, there were a total of 1,797 exclusions (1,774 temporary and 23 permanent) last year – up from 1,412 in 2019-20.

Of the 16 possible reasons for exclusion, public health was the seventh most frequent.

The most common reasons were for persistent disruptive behaviour (44 per cent), verbal abuse or threatening behaviour towards an adult (16 per cent) and physical assault against a pupil (15 per cent).

The National Association of Head Teachers said schools following guidance were sometimes forced to suspend students in cases of persistent rule breaking and unsafe behaviour, with school leaders making tough decisions to keep everyone safe.

General secretary Paul Whiteman said exclusions are always a last resort but should not mean the end of the road for pupils affected.

He added: "Unfortunately cuts to health and social care services mean that the safety net for excluded young people has too many holes in it.

"This is something that the government should address urgently.”

A Department for Education spokeswoman said permanent exclusions are a rare but necessary way of managing behaviour – but should not mean exclusion from education.