A teachers' union has compiled a list of abusive pupils its members have refused to teach.

The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) says 78 unruly pupils are still in school, despite having committed acts of violence towards staff or other children.

This problem undoubtedly contributes to teacher shortages

Eamonn O'Kane

Most have been returned to the classroom, usually because appeals panels have overturned a head teacher's decision to expel them.

This in spite of new government guidelines which urge appeals panels not to overrule head teachers who exclude pupils for drugs dealing, bullying or acts of violence.

NASUWT members have held ballots for action, saying they have the right to refuse to teach the pupils in question.

Six-year-old tearaway

The union's dossier highlights the growing problem of disruptive pupils.

The youngest child on the list is six.

The boy, who has a history of violence and disruption, set fire to a deodorant spray, endangering himself and other pupils.

Members in the West Midlands are concerned about a Year 9 pupil who was only suspended for 24 days after a sexual attack on a female pupil.

Another case involved a 13-year-old girl who hit a teacher in the jaw, causing him to need medical treatment and two weeks' sickness leave.

And a pupil in a school in Wales, who was involved in an incident where a seven-month pregnant teacher was pushed to the floor and punched, is also listed in the NASUWT dossier.

Teacher shortages

NASUWT general secretary Eamonn O'Kane said: "This rise in exclusions underlines the difficulties facing teachers from classroom violence and disruption."

"It is clear that this problem undoubtedly contributes to teacher shortages," said Mr O'Kane.

"The government has now, belatedly, recognised the extent of the problem by allowing schools greater freedom to exclude disruptive pupils.

"Whilst this is welcome, schools need further determined support in their effort to provide effective education for all their students."