In a significant development for the education sector, the latest government statistics reveal a decline in school suspensions and permanent exclusions in England for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The figures, released on Thursday, indicate that the total number of suspensions across state schools for the 2024/25 academic year fell to 913,000, representing a 4% reduction compared to the previous year. Permanent exclusions similarly decreased by 9%, bringing the total to 9,900.
Trends in Suspension Rates
The overall decline in suspensions is a welcome change, particularly as rates had been climbing steadily since before the pandemic. Secondary and special schools reported a decrease in suspension rates, while primary schools experienced an uptick. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the “pernicious legacy” of the pandemic on student behaviour but expressed optimism about the positive direction in which schools are heading.
“After years of spiralling suspensions and permanent exclusions, there are clear signs that the combined efforts of schools, parents, and the government are working,” she stated. “We are determined to keep driving forward that progress to fix the behaviour crisis we inherited.”
Despite this positive shift, the current suspension rates remain above pre-pandemic levels, highlighting a persistent challenge within the education system. Suspended students are typically barred from school for a set duration, which can extend up to 45 days in a given academic year. Notably, 46% of suspensions lasted one day or less, yet a substantial 94,400 pupils missed more than a week of school due to these disciplinary actions.
Reasons Behind Suspensions
Persistent disruptive behaviour remains the leading cause of suspensions, accounting for over half (52%) of all cases, while 40% of permanent exclusions were attributed to this same issue. Other notable reasons include verbal abuse or threatening behaviour directed at adults and physical assault against peers.
Secondary schools are responsible for the majority of suspensions, comprising 85% of the total. Conversely, primary schools reported an increase in suspensions, with a total of 112,545, marking an increase of 7,742 from the previous year. This rise raises concerns about the behavioural management strategies employed in younger age groups.
Vulnerable Students at Risk
A concerning trend involves students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who experience disproportionately high rates of suspensions and permanent exclusions. Alarmingly, nearly 90% of permanent exclusions in primary schools involved children with SEND. Furthermore, students eligible for free school meals are four times more likely to face suspension compared to their peers who are not on such assistance. Gender disparities also persist, with male students suspended at a rate 1.5 times higher than female students.
Research conducted by Impetus highlights the long-term implications of suspensions, indicating that students who experience suspension in secondary education are twice as likely to be disengaged from education, employment, or training (NEET) by age 24 compared to their non-suspended classmates. This underscores the importance of addressing behavioural issues with a more holistic approach.
Calls for Comprehensive Solutions
While the drop in suspension rates is encouraging, Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), emphasised that schools cannot tackle these challenges in isolation. “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.
His concerns echo those of Cara Cinnamon, Chief Impact Officer at Mission 44, a charity dedicated to reducing isolation and exclusions. Cinnamon noted that while permanent exclusion should be a last resort, it is often employed prematurely. She advocated for early intervention to address students’ needs before they escalate into behaviour that warrants exclusion.
The charity has called on the government to introduce new guidelines aimed at keeping students engaged and to enhance the diversity of the teaching workforce by providing more mentors for students at risk of exclusion. Earlier this year, the government indicated intentions to reform how suspensions are handled, suggesting that students could remain on school premises rather than being sent home automatically.
Why it Matters
The decline in school suspensions is a crucial first step towards addressing the broader issues of student behaviour and educational engagement in England. As schools strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment, it is imperative that policymakers, educators, and community leaders collaborate to ensure that all students receive the assistance they need to thrive. This approach not only benefits the individual students but fosters a healthier educational ecosystem, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.
