**
Recent statistics reveal a notable decline in school suspensions in England for the first time since the pandemic, suggesting a possible shift towards addressing longstanding behavioural issues in educational settings. The government figures, released on Thursday, indicate that there were 913,000 suspensions across state schools during the 2024-2025 academic year, marking a 4% decrease compared to the previous year. Additionally, the number of permanent exclusions fell by 9%, totalling 9,900.
A Mixed Bag of Results
The recent data shows a decline in suspension rates in secondary and special schools, offering a glimmer of hope for educators and parents alike. However, the situation is more complex in primary schools, where suspensions have actually increased. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the challenges posed by the pandemic, describing it as having left a “pernicious legacy.” She expressed optimism about the progress being made, stating, “After years of spiralling suspensions and permanent exclusions, there are clear signs that the combined efforts of schools, parents, and the government are working.”
While the overall drop in suspensions is encouraging, it’s crucial to recognise that rates remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic figures. Last year’s numbers were the highest seen in nearly two decades, and despite the recent decline, the rates are still above those recorded in 2018-2019.
The Nature of Suspensions
Suspensions are not uniform; nearly half of all suspensions were for one day or less. Yet, a staggering 94,400 pupils were absent from school for more than a week due to suspensions. Schools can cite multiple reasons for each suspension, with persistent disruptive behaviour being the predominant cause, accounting for over half of all suspensions and 40% of permanent exclusions. Other significant reasons include verbal abuse towards adults and physical assaults among students.
In secondary schools, students account for the vast majority of suspensions—around 85%. Conversely, primary school suspensions have risen, with 112,545 recorded in the latest year, an increase of 7,742 from the year before.
Vulnerable Populations at Risk
The statistics reveal concerning trends regarding vulnerable groups within the education system. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) face alarmingly high rates of both suspensions and permanent exclusions, with nearly 90% of permanent exclusions in primary schools involving children with SEND. Those eligible for free school meals are also significantly more likely to be suspended—four times more than their peers who do not qualify. Male students are disproportionately affected as well, being suspended at a rate 1.5 times higher than females.
Research conducted by Impetus highlights the grave long-term consequences of suspensions, indicating that students suspended from secondary school are twice as likely to be out of education, employment, or training by the age of 24 compared to their non-suspended classmates.
The Call for Comprehensive Support
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), welcomed the reduction in suspensions but emphasised that schools cannot shoulder this burden alone. “A sustained effort is needed to tackle the root causes of poor behaviour, which often originate from challenges in children’s lives outside the classroom, from poverty to mental health issues,” he stated. The NAHT advocates for increased funding in social care and mental health services to provide students with the support they need beyond school walls.
Cara Cinnamon, chief impact officer at Mission 44—a charity founded by Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton—warned that the use of permanent exclusions should be a last resort, a sentiment echoed by many in the educational community. She expressed concern over the patterns of exclusion, stating, “If we are intervening early and meeting young people’s needs as soon as we understand them, then we can prevent the vast majority of exclusions that we see.”
The government has acknowledged the need for reform and intends to implement changes to how suspensions are handled, suggesting that students should not be automatically sent home but could remain on-site while receiving support.
Why it Matters
The decline in school suspensions in England, although still in flux, represents a critical moment in the ongoing conversation about behaviour management and educational equity. It underscores the importance of addressing underlying issues that contribute to behavioural problems in schools, particularly for vulnerable populations. As educators, parents, and policymakers collaborate to shape a more inclusive and supportive environment, the focus must remain on proactive measures that not only reduce suspensions but also ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. The future of education hinges on our ability to nurture and support all students, particularly those facing challenges outside the classroom.
