New figures show a long-awaited dip in school suspensions across England, the first decrease since the pandemic. A total of 913,000 suspensions were recorded in state schools during the 2024/25 academic year, down by 4% from the previous year - a significant shift from the trend that has persisted since Covid-19.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson hailed the drop as a "sign of progress" and credited teachers for their efforts. She acknowledged the pandemic's lasting impact but praised schools, parents, and the government for working together to address behaviour challenges inherited during this period.
The decline in suspensions is encouraging news, with secondary and special schools seeing notable decreases. However, primary schools bucked the trend, experiencing an increase of 7,742 suspensions from the previous year, resulting in a total of 112,545. Despite recent progress, suspension rates remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Behaviour-related issues continue to be the leading cause for both suspensions and exclusions, accounting for over half (52%) of all reasons given for suspensions and 40% for exclusions. Verbal abuse towards an adult and physical assaults against pupils are among the significant reasons. Secondary school pupils account for nearly nine in ten suspensions.
Concerns persist regarding the disproportionate impact on specific groups, with SEND pupils facing high rates of both suspensions and permanent exclusions. A staggering 89% of primary school permanent exclusions involve a child with SEND. Additionally, those qualifying for free school meals are four times more likely to be suspended than their peers, while male pupils face suspension at a rate 1.5 times higher than female pupils.
Paul Whiteman of the NAHT welcomed the reduction but stressed that schools cannot tackle these issues alone, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to address root causes such as poverty and mental health issues. Charities like Mission 44 advocate for early intervention to prevent exclusions, noting many could be avoided if young people's needs are met promptly.