A centre has brought a dramatic cut in exclusions at 12 Bishop Auckland schools.

Since the You Can Centre opened on the South Church Industrial Estate in January, fixed term exclusions among schools in the Bishop Auckland Excellence Cluster have dropped by 96 per cent.

It supports pupils from primary schools and the town's three secondary schools King James I School and Community College, St John's RC and Bishop Barrington, who may be at risk of becoming excluded because of behaviour problems or who are disenchanted with the classroom.

At the centre they continue their education as well as receiving specialist help with issues which prevent them learning such as social development, anger management or other skills.

The support continues when they leave with extended work placements, further visits, reintegration coaching and holiday activities.

Experience has shown that most pupils settle back into school successfully and do not need to go back.

Staff at the centre, which was opened on Friday, have been surprised at the volume of schoolwork completed by the students during their time there under the supervision of a team led by senior support mentor Gavin Smith.

You Can is also the base for a project mentor team managed by Sarah Marsh which supports individual students, schools and their families as well as running a Reach attendance programme.

Along with a team managed by Helen Jeffrey, this is part of a government-funded initiative under a Behaviour Improvement Programme.

King James headteacher Steve Rodchester said: "The centre offers short-term educational provision for youngsters who are perhaps becoming disengaged or at risk of exclusion.

"By intervening we can prevent that from happening. They continue with their education so they don't get left behind and they are helped to re-engage with their school.

"It helps them address any barriers that have prevented them from learning in the classroom.

"The centre has only been open since January but the early signs are very positive."