More than 800 suspensions were handed out to Bradford school children for assaulting a teacher or fellow pupil last year.

Figures from the Department for Education show 3,590 suspensions – where pupils are excluded for a fixed period – were given to Bradford pupils in 2008-09 down from 4,790 the previous year.

A breakdown reveals 630 suspensions were for physical assault on a pupil, and a further 189 incidents where a pupil attacked an adult.

Verbally abusing an adult accounted for 800 of the yellow cards, and 785 were for persistent bad behaviour. In addition 82 pupils were disciplined for drug and alcohol related incidents, 72 for theft and 27 for sexual misconduct, among other things.

The DfE figures also show 30 pupils were permanently excluded from Bradford’s schools, compared to 70 in 2007-08. Of those expelled, six were for physically assaulting a pupil and seven for persistently bad behaviour.

Across England the number of times primary school pupils were suspended in 2008-09 fell to 39,510 from 43,290 in 2007-08, while in secondary schools there were 307,840 suspensions, compared with 324,180 in 2007-08.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “Despite the fall in exclusions, poor behaviour remains a significant problem in our schools.

“Tackling poor behaviour and raising academic standards are key priorities for the Coalition Government.

“We trust teachers and that’s why we have already announced a series of measures to put head teachers and teachers back in control of the classroom – including ending the rule requiring schools to give 24 hours written notice for detentions and increased search powers. We will introduce further measures to strengthen teacher authority and support schools in maintaining good behaviour.”

An Education Bradford spokesman said: “Education Bradford provides support and guidance to school staff on pupil behaviour and also on how best to deal with bullying.

“We become increasingly involved when a school identifies a particularly aggressive pupil.

“We work with the school and the parents on the best course of action to take. Our role also involves assisting schools and families when a pupil is given a Fixed Term Exclusion or a Permanent Exclusion because of their behaviour. Our pupil referral units and primary behaviour centres also have an effective role in supporting pupils with emotional, social and behavioural needs, along with our peripatetic teaching support service.”