Strabane school issued 414 suspensions

The number of suspensions at Holy Cross College was almost eight times higher than any other school in the area.

The figure refers to the number of suspensions, including extensions, rather than the number of pupils suspended.

Last year alone, the college issued 133 suspensions to pupils.

Maria Doherty, who was appointed principal of the college in January 2009, said the school had implemented strategies in a bid to cut the number of suspensions.

The suspensions at Holy Cross accounted for the vast majority of the 531 school suspensions issued across the Strabane district over the last five years.

Strabane High School, which had the second highest total, issued just 56 suspensions between 2004/05 and 2008/09.

The reasons given for suspensions across the district included disruptive behaviour, persistent rule breaking, alcohol abuse, stealing, bullying and physical attacks on other pupils.

However, verbal abuse of staff accounted for the largest percentage of suspensions across all schools

Ms Doherty said her college worked "hard to promote positive behaviour and prides itself in ensuring a positive learning environment for all students".