Overview
- Permanent expulsions for racist behaviour reached 70 last year, up from 45 three years earlier.
- Primary-age pupils accounted for 2,485 suspensions, with five recorded in Reception classes.
- Recorded cases range from use of slurs to racially motivated assaults, vandalism and posts on social media.
- Year 8 pupils were the most frequently disciplined for racist conduct, according to the latest data.
- Officials and school leaders cite pandemic disruption, reduced support services and post-2020 recording changes as factors behind the higher totals.