The Unity City Academy provides state-of-the-art facilities

The King's and Unity City academies in Middlesbrough have expelled 61 problem pupils between them since the start of the school year in 2002.

This compares to 15 exclusions from all other secondary schools in the borough.

Bosses at both academies said they are confident the tough stance has been worthwhile and remain confident exclusions will fall next year.

The principal at King's, Nigel McQuoid, said: "Our first year was rather hectic in saying certain things were not acceptable.

It's very much about working with education authorities to absorb these children, if possible in other schools Joe McCarthy, Unity City Academy

"This year has been much smoother, indeed we are now up to Christmas and we have not had any permanent exclusions."

Joe McCarthy, chair of the trust of Unity City Academy, said the way bad behaviour is dealt with has moved on.

"To build on what we have done we are now issuing a number of temporary exclusions, which last up to 20 days," he said.

"What we are trying to say to these children is that we have drawn a line in the sand and that there are certain levels of behaviour we will not tolerate."

Mr McCarthy called for more vocational education for problem pupils - but not necessarily in city academies.

He said: "It's very much about working with education authorities to absorb these children, if possible in other schools."

Middlesbrough Council says it is talking to the academies to ensure permanent exclusions remain at a lower level.

The independent, largely state-funded, academies can opt out of national pay negotiations and set their own curriculum.

The government wants 200 to open across the country by 2010.