Another academy chain known for its high standards and robust behaviour model is Ark Academies. So I checked to see how their exclusions compared against national averages. Lo and behold, they too started higher, then dropped below the average. This builds on my earlier hypothesis that chains with clear behaviour models, using consequences and structured expectations, often start with higher rates, that then decline.

Critics often believe that high performance schools are only successful through high exclusions and suspensions. But, using high-standards poster child Michaela Community School as an example, that just isn’t true. See below. When the culture is good, exclusion rates often start to *reduce*.