School exclusion rates in West Berkshire are now above the England average, and almost all excluded pupils have special educational needs (SEN).
Primary exclusions rose to seven in 2024/25, up from two in 2021/22. No primary pupil with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) has returned to mainstream primary education after exclusion.
In secondary schools exclusions jumped to 47 in 2024/25, up from 15 in 2021/22.
There are 161 pupils currently identified as at risk of exclusion, including 87 with SEN. Of 31 pupils at risk of permanent exclusion with SEN, 19 have an EHCP, seven are applying for one and 10 are supported by a social worker.
Primary exclusions have fallen since September 2025, but the report flags rising use of reduced timetables that limit access to full-time education.
Future risk centres on iCollege's capacity to provide full-time education for excluded pupils. West Berkshire is finalising a draft service level agreement with iCollege for alternative education provision.
The report also notes increased use of school-commissioned alternative provision, sometimes with providers that are not Ofsted-registered.
It blames the rise on more pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), more EHCPs, a shortage of specialist places and gaps in mental health services, including long waits for assessment and diagnosis and rising Children's Services referrals.
The findings will be discussed at next weeks childrens services scrutiny committee and warn that sustaining support and meeting statutory duties is increasingly stretched by capacity limits within the team.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
