Overview
- Surveying 34,000 pupils across 121 Greater Manchester secondary schools, the BeeWell study found 8.3% report weekly internal exclusion, averaging 8.5 hours and costing more than a day of lessons.
- Pupils who spent time in isolation reported weaker school belonging and poorer relationships with teachers, with girls indicating lower mental wellbeing.
- Likelihood of isolation was higher for pupils with EHCPs (more than twice), those on free school meals (around 1.5 times), LGBTQ+ students (nearly twice), and Black, Asian or mixed-heritage children.
- Researchers highlight the absence of national rules or public reporting on internal exclusion and note that schools with higher suspension rates also tend to isolate more pupils.
- The legal framework remains unchanged after a High Court ruling upheld isolation booths, as some leaders defend well-run rooms and others call for mandatory reporting and restorative, trauma-informed support.