School Suspensions in England Nearly Double Since Pre-Pandemic Levels

New data reveals a sharp rise in suspensions and expulsions, with schools struggling to address behavioral challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and funding shortages.

• Government figures show 346,279 suspensions in the autumn term of 2023, a 94% increase compared to 178,412 in autumn 2019.
• Permanent exclusions also rose by 34% in one year, reaching 4,168 in autumn 2023, with persistent disruptive behavior cited as the leading cause.
• School leaders report a lack of resources to manage escalating behavioral issues, which they link to pandemic-related disruptions and isolation.
• Students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those on free school meals, are disproportionately affected, with exclusion rates six times higher than their peers.
• Education experts and unions are calling for urgent government action to increase funding for mental health services, special education needs support, and behavior intervention programs.

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