Thousands of primary school students across NSW suspended for 'persistent misbehaviour' Thousands of students have been suspended across NSW. THE number of children on long suspension from school has blown out to the highest level in five years. The latest data from the NSW Department of Education show almost 13,000 children were suspended for between five and 20 days in 2012. Of those, 2337 were primary schoolers - the most for this age group since 2008. The average time away from school is 11.8 days and, in most cases, the reason is "persistent misbehaviour," which includes students who consistently refuse to follow instructions. The number of long suspensions has jumped more than 20 per cent in five years - 16 per cent in primary schools. And each year schools from the Hunter and Central Coast have suspended the most children, followed by schools in Sydney's southwest. Labor education spokesman Ryan Park said the figures were alarming and showed a disturbing trend. "It should be a concern to everyone who has an interest in the education of young people, but especially the minister, that we are seeing so many students removed from school, especially for violent and aggressive behaviour," he said. Mr Park predicted the rate of suspensions would rise as 2400 jobs were axed from schools over the next four years as a result of budget cuts. "Instead of trying to support teachers and parents to deal with students that cause serious problems in schools, the NSW government has refused to rule out cutting school counsellors as part of the 2400 positions to be axed over the next four years," he said. No one wants to see students suspended, especially students in their early years of schooling. But without adequate resources and support that is offered by trained school counsellors this figure is likely to continue to rise," Mr Park said. But a department spokesman said: "Inappropriate behaviour by students is not tolerated in NSW public schools, which have strict disciplinary codes developed in consultation with the local school community." The spokesman said long suspension corrected inappropriate behaviour. More than 72 per cent were never disciplined similarly again. "Most schools do not have to long-suspend any student and the number disciplined was only 1.7 per cent of the total 2012 NSW public school enrolment," he said. He said 50 support officers had been hired since 2011 and denied there had been cuts to the 790 school counsellors. High school, 2012: 12,922 high school students given long suspensions, 48 per cent for "persistent misbehaviour." In 2008, 10,514 were suspended. Primary school, 2012: 2337 students banned from attending school, the highest number in this age group since 2008, an increase of 16 per cent. The average length of time away from school was 11.8 days.