The Newcastle School at the centre of a row over the expulsion of 11-year-old Jade Blackburn is again in the spotlight after it has been revealed the school has suspended another thirteen pupils within the space of 24-hours.

The pupils aged between nine and eleven were expelled on Tuesday and Wednesday and will not return to school until next Monday.

Warrier Street Primary School in Newcastle suspended the pupils after they refused to obey teachers, walked out of classrooms and fought with each other.

They were expelled after a supply teacher complained that she couldn't cope with their behaviour.

Headteacher Bernadette Doherty said they refused to behave despite warning letters being sent home to their parents.

Only last week 11-year-old Jade Blackburn was expelled after a playground incident when deputy headteacher Clare Marriott was punched in the face.

Jade's mother, Debra Blackburn has vowed to appeal against her daughter's expulsion sayng that she was being bullied and that the teacher was struck accidentally when she stepped in.

Newcastle City Council's education director, Phil Turner said: "I have no qualms about the way the school is being run and the headteacher has my total support."