A TEACHERS' leader has expressed his concern at an increase in classroom violence.

It comes in the wake of a survey in which 27 per cent of teachers from 300 schools across the country said they have been physically assaulted by a pupil.

The report also reveals that the threat of violence in UK schools is greater than in the US, with 75 per cent of teachers questioned saying they felt threatened by pupils. It compares with seven per cent of US teachers.

Malcolm Wilkinson, who is on the national executive of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, representing the North-East, said: "I am surprised at the comparison being made with the US, but not so at the general concern being expressed.

"Violence against teaching and non-teaching staff and against other pupils is a major concern for our members, and all of the major teaching unions are pressing the Government to do something."

Mr Wilkinson said the Government had introduced guidelines on restraining unruly pupils, but his union advises members not to follow them for fear they may be assaulted or sued.

He said the issue was compounded by council appeal panels reinstating excluded pupils.

Government figures show that in the North-East, there were 420 permanent exclusions for bad behaviour, including violence, at council-run primary, secondary and special schools in 2005-6, and 50 in North Yorkshire.

The report, for education security specialists TAC UK, also found that 59 per cent of teachers questioned said they would consider leaving the profession because of the threat of violence.

A Government spokesman said: "Any assault against a teacher is deeply distressing and totally unacceptable, which is why we continue to focus on ways in which we can support schools."