Bullies who are expelled from school will not be allowed to return.

The new policy marks a change from that promoted by David Blunkett, the previous education secretary. Blunkett felt that too many pupils were being excluded and urged schools to use expulsion only as a last resort.

Estelle Morris, Blunkett's successor, is believed to have been persuaded by letters from teachers and the parents of bullied children who complained that the current guidelines, which in many cases allow bullies to return after a suspension, fail to act as sufficient deterrent. And Cherie Blair recently gave her backing to a high profile Childline conference on bullying.

Pupils taking weapons to school will also be expelled for a first offence.