According to a new report, more pupils are getting distracted and misbehaving to the point of suspension. Research analysing Department for Education suspension data found the region recorded the sharpest deterioration in behaviour over the past decade. It found suspensions in the North East increased by 1,044 per cent during that period, rising from 4,266 to 48,817. Two other North East authorities were ranked in the top five for the largest increases - with South Tyneside ranking third and Gateshead fifth. Save My Exams estimated this could amount to around 24 days of lost learning in a typical school year.