The number of pupils permanently excluded from schools in England increased by 44% in a year, reaching 9,400 in the 2022/23 academic year, the highest in 15 years. Suspensions also hit a record 787,000, a 36% rise. Persistent disruptive behaviour was the main cause.
Stephen Morgan, the schools minister, called the figures “shocking” and a wake-up call. Teachers have reported abuse and intimidation from pupils, with some schools like Caldicot Comprehensive striking over insufficient action on pupil violence. Amanda Spielman, former Ofsted chief inspector, linked the behaviour to pandemic-disrupted social norms.