Thousands of pupils expelled for using weapons including knives, machetes and BB guns in the classroom

THOUSANDS of pupils have been kicked out for using weapons in the classroom, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.

In 2022, 549 were expelled and 13,170 were suspended for violence or threats with weapons.

Some were as young as four and still in reception classes, although the average age was 14.

In North Yorks, a student waved a butter knife.

Another in Manchester was carrying a pumpkin carving knife.

Others were caught with machetes and BB guns, while one had a homemade flame thrower, a Freedom of Information request to councils found.

Christopher McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education, said: “These latest statistics are shocking evidence that violence and disorder on our streets is spilling over into the classroom.

“Most headteachers are reluctant to suspend pupils and what we are seeing in terms of suspensions and expulsions is the tip of the iceberg.

“These days some schools resemble war zones.”

A Government spokesperson said: “Nothing is more important than the safety of children.

“We introduced Violence Reduction Units in 2019, which in their third year alone reached over 215,000 vulnerable young people with early intervention programmes to help protect them from serious violence.”