The number of expulsions from England's schools has dropped for the first time since 2000, according to official figures.

Statistics for the 2002/03 school year show that the number of expulsions is now almost a quarter less than the 1996/97 peak of 12,700.

Government Response: Department for Education and Skills

Ivan Lewis, education minister, said: "We are getting the balance right, helping teachers to improve behaviour in the classroom and backing their authority when pupils' behaviour warrants exclusion."

"More than anything, today's figures are a tribute to the professionalism of teachers and all those in the frontline who are working to ensure our classrooms are free from disruption."

Party Response: Conservative

Tim Yeo, shadow education secretary, said: "At present, head teachers can expel violent and disruptive pupils from school, only to see an appeals panel overturn their decision.

"Conservatives would scrap appeals panels and allow schools to draw up enforceable contracts with parents, which would include minimum standards for behaviour and attendance.

"We would give head teachers the powers they need to restore discipline to their classrooms."

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Dr Mary Bousted ATL general secretary, said: "ATL fears that the government’s relentless pressure on schools to reduce their exclusion rate means that a number of our members are being forced to teach badly behaved pupils, who whilst not learning themselves, make it impossible for other pupils to have a decent education. 

"It is simply not acceptable for teachers to have to deal, on a continual basis, with pupils’ bad behaviour. Much more needs to be done to support schools and teachers to cope with the effects of the disruptive behaviour of a small minority.

"ATL will always defend and support members who are assaulted or threatened in the workplace and we expect employers to take appropriate action against any assailant, up to and including exclusion.

"We, however, do not advocate a zero tolerance approach to these pupils. Some of these young people face considerable challenges in their lives outside school and come from difficult backgrounds. But these pupils have a right to be taught and we must do all we can to provide them with the best possible education."

Forum Response: Secondary Heads Association

Dr John Dunford, SHA general secretary, said: "The number of exclusions has stabilised after several years when David Blunkett's targets to reduce exclusions had an adverse effect on school discipline right through the system.

"The chief inspector's report for 2002/03 commented favourably on pupils' behaviour, but noted that the behaviour of a small minority remains a serious concern for many schools.

"It is these pupils, who cannot work by the normal behaviour standards expected of all pupils, who have to be excluded when the school reaches the end of the line with alternative sanctions.

"It is good to see that the number of successful appeals has fallen. It can be devastating to a school when a pupil who has committed a very serious offence, such as a violent assault, is returned to the school by the appeals panel.

"It is vitally important that appeals panels recognise the needs of the rest of the school as well as the pupil appearing before it."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Deborah Simpson, senior professional officer at PAT, said: "Schools have been encouraged by the DfES not to permanently exclude pupils so it is hardly surprising that the number of exclusions has fallen.

"Permanent exclusion should always be a last resort, but head teachers do need to be able to exclude where necessary for the sake of the school, staff and other pupils.

"Violent or disruptive behaviour by pupils is a major concern for teachers and we know that many teachers have left the profession because of it.

"Secondary schools have been working hard for many years to improve pupils' behaviour while the government has not helped by changing the rules on school exclusions several times.

"Schools can only improve behaviour with the co-operation of parents and the wider community.

"PAT supports the 14-19 curriculum changes because we believe that when pupils enjoy their education they are much more likely to behave well."