Bury has launched a new drive to keep children in school after figures showed the borough struggling with exclusions, attendance and GCSE performance, the Bury Times reported on 8 November 2026.

A report going before Bury Council's Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee warns that too many young people are becoming disconnected from education as they move into secondary school. According to the report, Bury ranks 128th out of 153 local authorities for secondary school suspensions and 120th for secondary school exclusions. The borough also ranks 100th nationally for secondary school absences, while GCSE attainment in English and maths is ranked 129th.

Council officers say the problems are particularly affecting vulnerable pupils, including children with special educational needs and disabilities. The report warns that without action, more young people could be pushed towards poorer educational outcomes, increased exclusions and lower life chances, while pressure grows on specialist and alternative provision.

The figures have prompted a new programme called Bury Belongs in School, which aims to tackle poor attendance, reduce exclusions and help young people feel more connected to school life. Rather than treating attendance, behaviour and exclusion as separate issues, the initiative focuses on helping pupils feel they belong at school and receive support before problems escalate.

The programme will bring together schools, colleges, health services, children's social care and community organisations to spot problems earlier and provide support before children reach crisis point. Part of the plan includes a new borough-wide inclusion dashboard to track attendance and engagement, alongside reforms to support children with special educational needs.

Under the council's own guidance, only a head teacher can exclude a pupil, and permanent exclusion is used only as a last resort. The report says the new initiative is intended to help ensure every child can attend, participate, belong and achieve.