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Recent government statistics reveal a noteworthy reduction in school suspensions and exclusions across England for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The figures, released on Thursday, indicate that state schools recorded 913,000 suspensions during the 2024/25 academic year, marking a 4% decline compared to the previous year. Additionally, permanent exclusions fell by 9%, totalling 9,900, suggesting a potential shift towards improved behaviour management in schools.
Trends in Suspension Rates
The data shows a decline in suspension rates across secondary and special schools, while primary schools experienced a contrasting trend with an uptick in suspensions. This nuanced picture underscores the varying challenges faced by different educational levels. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the ongoing impact of the pandemic, describing it as a “pernicious legacy.” However, she expressed optimism regarding the collaborative efforts of schools, parents, and the government to address the behaviour crisis that has persisted since before the pandemic.
The latest figures are particularly significant given the alarming rise in suspension rates prior to this decline. In the previous year, suspensions reached their highest levels in nearly two decades. Despite the recent drop, current suspension rates remain elevated when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2018/19.
Understanding the Causes of Suspensions
The majority of suspensions, nearly half (46%), lasted for one day or less. Nonetheless, a substantial number of pupils—94,400—missed more than a week of schooling due to suspensions. Schools are permitted to cite up to three reasons for each suspension or exclusion, with persistent disruptive behaviour being the leading cause. This accounted for over half (52%) of all suspension reasons and 40% of exclusions in the 2024/25 academic year. Other notable reasons included verbal abuse or threatening behaviour towards an adult, as well as physical assaults against fellow students.
Secondary school pupils represent a significant portion of suspensions, comprising 85% of the total. In contrast, primary schools saw a rise in suspensions, with 112,545 instances reported in the latest year, an increase of 7,742 from the previous year. This divergence raises critical questions about the behavioural dynamics and support systems in place for younger students.
Disparities in Suspension Rates
The data also highlights concerning disparities among different student demographics. Pupils with special educational needs (SEND) experience disproportionately high rates of suspensions and exclusions, with nearly 90% of permanent exclusions in primary schools involving these students. Additionally, children eligible for free school meals are four times more likely to face suspensions than their peers. Gender disparities also emerge, with male students suspended at a rate 1.5 times higher than female students.
Research conducted by Impetus points to significant long-term consequences of suspensions, revealing that secondary school students who are suspended are twice as likely to be disengaged from education, employment, or training (NEET) by age 24. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the underlying issues contributing to disruptive behaviour in schools.
Call for Systemic Change
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), has welcomed the overall decline in suspension rates while emphasising that schools cannot tackle these issues in isolation. He advocates for a sustained effort aimed at addressing the root causes of poor behaviour, which often stem from external challenges such as poverty and mental health concerns. The union is calling for increased funding for social care and mental health services to better support students outside the classroom.
Cara Cinnamon, chief impact officer at Mission 44, a charity established by racing driver Lewis Hamilton, also expressed concern over the frequency of permanent exclusions, which should ideally be a last resort. She highlighted the need for early intervention to meet students’ needs, arguing that many exclusions could be prevented with timely support. The charity has urged the government to develop new guidelines for schools to enhance student engagement, as well as to diversify the teaching workforce and provide more mentorship for at-risk pupils.
In light of the recent statistics, the government has announced plans to reform how schools handle suspensions, exploring options that would allow students to remain on-site rather than being sent home immediately.
Why it Matters
The decline in school suspensions in England is a promising development, signalling potential progress in addressing longstanding behavioural issues within the education system. However, the challenges remain complex, particularly in terms of supporting vulnerable students and ensuring that exclusions are only used as a last resort. A coordinated approach involving schools, families, and community resources is crucial to foster a nurturing educational environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive. The implications of these statistics extend beyond the classroom, influencing broader societal outcomes and shaping the future of the next generation.
