It’s all very well for MPs and Gordon Brown to call for a crackdown on bullies, but it is headteachers who should be vilified for the plague of violent and disruptive behaviour in our schools. The lack of backbone exhibited by heads when it comes to expelling pupils is astonishing.

Local authorities don’t like expulsions because it costs them money. When a youngster is expelled, the council has to provide tuition and support.

School leaders have lost their bottle, fearing bolshy parents and media coverage. Often incidents go unrecorded to present a picture of calm and order. Beware the school that claims it does not have a bullying problem.

Teachers should refuse to teach the yobs until the yobs are expelled.