Overview

• Department for Education data show 954,952 fixed-term suspensions and 10,885 permanent exclusions in the 2023/24 academic year, increases of 21% and 16% respectively.
• Persistent disruptive behaviour accounted for 51% of suspensions and 39% of exclusions, with an autumn term peak of 346,279 suspensions and 4,168 permanent exclusions.
• Suspensions rose by 24% in state primary schools and 21% in secondary schools compared to the previous year, marking the highest figures since DfE records began in 2016/17.
• Pupils with EHC plans are eight times more likely to be permanently excluded and seven times more likely to face suspension, while those eligible for free school meals confront exclusion rates six times higher and suspension rates five times higher.
• Ministers have outlined plans for Attendance and Behaviour Hubs, free breakfast clubs and a £740 million investment to expand specialist SEND provision in mainstream schools.