MORE than 40,000 pupils were excluded from schools in the region in the last academic year, according to figures from the Department for Education.

A total of 33,500 pupils in the North-East were excluded for a fixed period during 2008-9, up from 32,150 in the previous 12 months.

In North Yorkshire the figure was 7,784, which fell from 7,090 in 2007/8.

When it came to permanent exclusions there were 720 in the North-East, a drop of 60 from 780 in 2007/8.

The number of permanent exclusions in North Yorkshire year-on-year remained steady at 160.

The most common reason for being excluded was for persistent disruptive behaviour, followed by verbal abuse and a physical assault on a pupil or adult.

The figures included pupil statistics from primary, secondary, academy and special schools.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: ''Tackling poor behaviour and raising academic standards are key priorities for the coalition Government.

''We trust teachers and that's why we have already announced a series of measures to put head teachers and teachers back in control of the classroom - including ending the rule requiring schools to give 24 hours written notice for detentions and increased search powers.

''We will introduce further measures to strengthen teacher authority and support schools in maintaining good behaviour.''