Attacking others was the most common reason that children were excluded from Fife’s schools in the 2024/2025 period.
A total of 675 pupils received the punishment, with concerning incidents including assaults teachers.
The breakdown of kids who faced temporary removal was 165 in primary education, and 510 in secondary. Between the individuals involved, 933 cases of exclusion were racked up.
Scottish Government data shows 338 assaults. The victims were mainly fellow students, but 114 were against members of staff.
However, weapons were used on teachers in more cases, with 12 targeted as opposed to 9 children.
Fighting offences resulted in 119 exclusions, and general or persistent disobedience made up a large amount of cases, with 247 on record.
Other reasons included 15 instances of fire raising, 85 regarding insolent or offensive behaviour, and eight for spitting.
Substance abuse was the reason for 14 pupils' disciplining, with eight not involving alcohol.
Damage to property, parental cooperation, and ironically refusal to attend class were also listed.
Donald MacLeod, Fife Council’s executive director of education, said: “All Fife schools strive to promote positive behaviour, and we recognise that good discipline is essential for effective learning.
“Exclusions are used only when absolutely necessary and always in line with legislation. When behaviour falls short of expectations, schools consider a range of strategies to ensure the most appropriate response is taken.
"We remain committed to addressing violence and aggression in schools and have a regularly reviewed action plan in place to guide and improve our approach.
“We’ve strengthened professional learning and behaviour management across schools and continue to work closely with trade unions and staff to build positively on what’s already in place."
Over the period, females were less likely to face exclusion, with 205 individuals making up 272 cases.
Poverty also appears to play a role in the data, with the highest number of cases (325) applying to those from the most deprived households.
Just 25 more people were suspended than in 2022/2023, and 220 more than 2020/2021, a period that was impacted by the Covid pandemic.
