According to figures obtained by The Mail, more than 100 pupils have been excluded from schools in the borough since 2015.

Data also shows how children have been caught with drugs and alcohol at schools in the area.

The data was released by Cumbria County Council following a freedom of information request.

Since 2015, there have been 111 permanent exclusions.

The most common reason for pupils being excluded is persistent disruptive behaviour.

That can include challenging behaviour, the 'persistent' violation of school rules and 'disobedience'.

The second most common reason was verbal abuse towards adults.

That can include threats, intimidation, harassment or other aggressive behaviour.

Vandalism, inappropriate uses of technology and assaults on other pupils are among other reasons for exclusions.

The majority of exclusions have taken place at the area's secondary schools but pupils at primary schools have also been excluded.

The highest number of exclusions, 19, came in the 2016/17 and 2019/20 academic years.

There have been 18 so far in the current academic year.

'Shocking'

Chris Brooksbank, the secretary of Cumbria's National Education Union branch, said: "It's always very sad when schools have to resort to excluding children but there has to be a line drawn. 

"Most schools try to avoid it and discuss things - often they'll talk to staff about it before they make the decision to exclude.

"There has to be a last resort."

The data showed pupils had been excluded for assaulting school staff on seven occasions. Several other pupils have also been suspended for assaulting an adult at school.

"Nobody wants to hear of anybody doing their job being assaulted," Mr Brooksbank said.

"It's quite shocking - sometimes it's because there are not enough resources.

"Sometimes it can be a series of unfortunate incidents that lead to an assault.

"Thankfully it's a rare occurrence in Cumbria."

Cumbria County Council was contacted for comment.

Cumbria's schools follow the exclusion process guidance of the Department for Education.

The department says the decision to exclude a pupil must be lawful, reasonable and fair.

Schools have a duty not to discriminate against pupils on the basis of protected characteristics, such as disability or race and should give 'particular consideration' to the fair treatment of pupils from groups who are vulnerable to exclusion.

 Disruptive behaviour can also be an indication of 'unmet needs'.