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Kate McGough, an education reporter, states that the number of school suspensions and exclusions in England has reached its highest level since 2006, according to Department for Education figures. In the 2023/24 academic year, there were 954,952 suspensions in state schools, representing a 21% increase from the previous year, while exclusions also rose by 16% to 10,885. The majority of suspensions were at secondary schools, but over 100,000 were among primary school pupils – a number that has seen significant growth.
Persistent disruptive behavior was identified as the most common reason for pupils being suspended, accounting for half of all suspensions and 39% of exclusions. Special educational needs (SEN) students were three times more likely to be suspended than their peers, with nearly half of all suspensions being among pupils receiving SEN support. Additionally, children on free school meals were disproportionately represented, making up 25% of the school population but accounting for 60% of suspensions.
It is emphasized that schools alone cannot address the root causes of poor behavior. Paul Whiteman, the general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, stressed that schools have a duty to provide a safe environment for all students and should only resort to suspensions and exclusions when all other options have been exhausted. Whiteman highlighted that disruptive behavior often originates from wider challenges beyond the school gates, such as poverty, lack of support for special educational needs, and mental health issues.
The figures also show that a high percentage of pupils excluded at primary school have SEN support, in comparison to excluded secondary school students. Research from charity Chance UK suggests that 90% of primary school children who are excluded fail to pass GCSE English and maths, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. Sophie Schmal, the charity’s director, expressed deep concern over the rise in primary school suspensions, emphasizing the need for immediate action to support these children before they reach teenage years
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