**
For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, school suspensions and permanent exclusions in England have seen a notable decline, according to newly released government statistics. The figures reveal that state schools recorded approximately 913,000 suspensions during the 2024/25 academic year, marking a 4% reduction from the previous year. Permanent exclusions have also decreased by 9%, totalling around 9,900.
A Glimpse of Progress
The decline in suspension rates is particularly encouraging, as it comes after a prolonged period of rising figures that persisted even before the pandemic. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson remarked on the “pernicious legacy” left by the pandemic, yet expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts of schools, parents, and the government. “After years of spiralling suspensions and permanent exclusions, there are clear signs that the combined efforts are working,” she stated. “We are determined to keep driving forward that progress to fix the behaviour crisis we inherited.”
Despite this positive trend, the numbers remain sobering. Last year, the rate of suspensions surged to its highest point in nearly two decades. Even with the recent decrease, suspension levels continue to exceed those recorded in the 2018/19 academic year. Suspended students are typically required to remain out of school for a period that can extend up to 45 days within a school year. Alarmingly, 94,400 pupils missed more than a week of education due to suspensions.
Persistent Challenges in Primary Schools
While secondary and special schools have experienced decreases in suspension rates, primary schools have seen the opposite trend. The statistics indicate that 112,545 suspensions occurred in primary schools during 2024/25, an increase of 7,742 from the previous year. Persistent disruptive behaviour remains the leading cause for suspending students, accounting for over half of all suspension reasons. Other significant reasons include verbal abuse towards staff and physical altercations among pupils.
The data reveals a concerning disparity, particularly among pupils with special educational needs (SEND). Nearly 90% of permanent exclusions in primary schools involve children with SEND. Furthermore, students eligible for free school meals face a suspension rate four times higher than their peers. Gender disparities also persist, with male students being suspended at a rate 1.5 times higher than female students.
The Ripple Effect of Suspensions
Research indicates that suspensions can have long-lasting negative consequences. According to a study by Impetus, young individuals suspended from secondary school are twice as likely to be unemployed, uneducated, or out of training (NEET) by the age of 24 compared to their peers. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), welcomed the overall decline in suspensions but emphasised the need for a collective approach to address the underlying causes of disruptive behaviour. He pointed out that many issues stem from challenges in students’ lives outside the classroom, including poverty and mental health struggles.
Cara Cinnamon, chief impact officer at Mission 44, a charity established by racing driver Lewis Hamilton, highlighted the urgency for intervention. She noted that permanent exclusion should be a last resort, yet too often it is not treated as such. Cinnamon advocates for early intervention strategies aimed at understanding and meeting the needs of young people to prevent exclusions.
Moving Towards Solutions
The government has hinted at potential changes in how schools manage suspensions, suggesting that students may not have to go home immediately but could instead remain on-site, receiving support. This shift could represent a significant change in approach, aimed at keeping students engaged in their education rather than removing them from the learning environment.
The call for a more diverse teaching workforce and increased mentoring for at-risk students highlights a growing awareness of the systemic issues contributing to school exclusions.
Why it Matters
The decline in school suspensions in England offers a glimmer of hope for the education system as it grapples with the lasting effects of the pandemic. However, the ongoing challenges, particularly among vulnerable groups, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of disruptive behaviour. As schools strive to create inclusive environments, fostering collaboration among educators, families, and policymakers will be crucial in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in their educational journey.
