A record number of suspensions were handed out at state-run schools in England during the 2022/23 academic year, with 64,446 in London alone. A total of 787,000 suspensions were issued across the country, a significant increase from 578,300 in 2021/22.
This represents a 36 per cent rise in just 12 months and an 80 per cent surge compared to 2018/19 – the last full year before the pandemic – when there were 438,265 suspensions. The figures for this year translate to 9.3 suspensions for every 100 pupils, another record high. This is up from 6.9 per 100 pupils in 2021/22 and 5.4 per 100 in 2018/19.
The state school in London that saw the highest number of suspensions was Welling School in Bexley with 665, closely followed by AIM Academy North London in Enfield, with 653. MyLondon has contacted both schools for comment.
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In addition, there were 9,400 permanent exclusions in the 2022/23 academic year. This marks an increase from 6,500 in 2021/22 and represents the highest ever recorded annual number. The number of permanent exclusions is equivalent to 11 for every 10,000 pupils. You can find out how many suspensions and exclusions occurred at your children’s school by using our interactive chart:
Schools minister Stephen Morgan commented: “These shocking figures show the massive scale of disruptive behaviour that has developed in schools across the country in recent years under the previous government: it worsens working conditions for school staff, restricts learning and ultimately harms the life chances of children. Every pupil deserves to learn in a safe, calm classroom and we will always support our hard-working and dedicated teachers to make this happen.”
Mr Morgan stressed the need for specialist mental health professionals in secondary schools, and earlier intervention for children with special needs. Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, concurred with Mr Morgan’s sentiment: “We have been witnessing a growing crisis in anti-social behaviour and violence in schools which has worsened considerably since the pandemic. The lack of appropriate in-school support and long waiting lists to access specialist services are contributing to a behaviour crisis which schools are struggling to contain.”
He continued: “Instead of giving support to the classroom, teachers are being blamed for poor pupil behaviour whilst many employers fail to act to ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff working in schools. No teacher should expect to go to work and be punched, kicked or spat at. However, many teachers tell us they live in fear of violence and abuse.”
Dr Roach stressed the need for the Government to do more to tackle abuse directed at teachers by pupils, emphasising a zero tolerance approach.
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