The Department for Education’s latest statistics for the spring term of 2023/24 reveal a concerning rise in both suspensions and permanent exclusions across state-funded schools in England.
Key Findings:
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Suspensions: There were 295,600 suspensions, marking a 12% increase from the previous spring term (263,900). Although this is a decrease from the autumn term’s 346,300 suspensions, the upward trend compared to the previous year is notable.
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Permanent Exclusions: The term saw 3,100 permanent exclusions, slightly up from 3,000 in the same period last year, but down from 4,200 in the autumn term.
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Primary Cause: Persistent disruptive behaviour remains the leading reason, accounting for 51% of suspensions and 38% of permanent exclusions.
Implications:
The data underscores ongoing challenges in managing student behaviour post-pandemic. The consistent rise in suspensions and exclusions suggests a need for targeted interventions to address behavioural issues and support affected students.
For a detailed breakdown of the statistics, visit the Department for Education’s official release.
