NEARLY four times as many primary school children were excluded from Clackmannanshire and Stirling schools than in the rest of Scotland in 2014-15.

Elected members of Clackmannanshire Council's Scrutiny Committee heard the “concerning” statistics in the council chambers last Thursday, when the joint Stirling and Clackmannanshire Education Service presented its Standards and Quality Report for 2014-15.

Before 2014-15, the primary school exclusion rate per 1000 pupils was closely in-line with the national average; however, the figure skyrocketed last year.

From just 13 exclusions per 1000 kids in 2013-14, the number shot up to 34 per 1000 in 2014-15 - 3.77 times higher than the national average of just nine per 1000.

The striking level of exclusions was highlighted by SNP councillor Donald Balsillie, vice-chair of the newly formed committee.

Members heard that closer scrutiny and making sure all other options are explored before an exclusion should rectify this “major issue”.

Exclusion rates for 2014-15 in secondary schools were also above the national average of 50 per 1000 pupils with 70.2, up from 57 in 2013-14.

However, attendance rates steadily remained largely in-line with the national average over the years.

Attendance in primary schools was 94.7 per cent compared to the national average of 95.1 per cent.

Secondary schools saw an attendance of 91.1 per cent with a national average of 91.8 per cent.