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Recent government statistics reveal a noteworthy decline in school suspensions and exclusions across England, marking the first reduction since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the 2024/25 academic year, state schools recorded 913,000 suspensions, reflecting a 4% decrease from the previous year. Additionally, permanent exclusions fell by 9%, totalling 9,900. While secondary and special schools have seen improvements, primary schools have experienced a rise in suspension rates, highlighting ongoing challenges within the educational landscape.
Trends in Suspension and Exclusion Rates
The newly released figures indicate a positive shift in suspension and exclusion rates, which had been escalating prior to the pandemic. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the enduring impact of Covid-19 on student behaviour but expressed optimism about the collective efforts of educators, parents, and the government.
“After years of spiralling suspensions and permanent exclusions, there are clear signs that the combined efforts of schools, parents, and the government are working – and we are determined to keep driving forward that progress to fix the behaviour crisis we inherited,” Phillipson stated.
Despite the recent decline, the current suspension rates remain higher than those recorded in 2018/19. Nearly half of all suspensions (46%) lasted one day or less, yet 94,400 students missed over a week of school due to disciplinary actions.
Reasons Behind Suspensions
Schools are permitted to cite multiple reasons for each suspension or exclusion, with persistent disruptive behaviour identified as the primary cause. This accounted for over half (52%) of all suspension reasons and 40% of permanent exclusions in the latest reporting period. Other significant reasons for suspensions included verbal abuse or threats towards staff and physical assaults on peers.
Secondary school students represent the majority of suspensions, making up 85% of the total. In contrast, primary schools have reported an increase in suspensions, with 112,545 cases recorded in 2024/25—an increase of 7,742 from the previous year.
Disparities and Challenges
Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) continue to face disproportionately high rates of suspension and permanent exclusion. Alarmingly, nearly 90% of permanent exclusions in primary schools involved students with SEND. Additionally, pupils eligible for free school meals are four times more likely to face suspension compared to their peers, and male students are suspended at a rate 1.5 times higher than female students.
Research conducted by Impetus highlights the long-term consequences of suspensions, indicating that secondary school students who are suspended are twice as likely to be not in education, employment, or training (NEET) by the age of 24 when compared to their counterparts.
This data underscores the urgent need for systemic solutions to address the root causes of behavioural issues, which often stem from external factors such as poverty and mental health challenges. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), emphasised that schools alone cannot resolve these complex issues, advocating for enhanced funding for social care and mental health services.
The Path Forward
Cara Cinnamon, chief impact officer at Mission 44—a charity founded by racing driver Lewis Hamilton—underscored the importance of early intervention in preventing unnecessary exclusions. She noted that “there are far too many exclusions, and there are plenty that can be prevented.” The charity has urged the government to develop new guidelines for schools to keep students engaged and to foster a more diverse teaching workforce.
In a bid to reform current practices, the government has indicated plans to revamp how schools manage suspensions, aiming to allow students to remain on-site rather than being sent home. Such changes could significantly alter the landscape of school discipline, fostering a more supportive environment for students at risk of exclusion.
Why it Matters
The decline in school suspensions and exclusions is an encouraging sign amidst a challenging educational environment. However, rising rates in primary schools and significant disparities among vulnerable student groups highlight the need for comprehensive reforms. Addressing the underlying issues that contribute to poor behaviour is critical for ensuring that all students have equitable access to education and support. As the government and educational institutions work together to create more inclusive and effective strategies, the future of England’s education system hangs in the balance.
