The rate of primary school suspensions in England has more than doubled over the past decade, with permanent exclusions rising by nearly 70% in the same period, an analysis has revealed.
Campaigners warn that these trends could have long-term consequences for children, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The government has acknowledged the issue, describing it as at “crisis point,” and pledged to “drive up standards” across schools to better address the needs of vulnerable pupils.
A Troubling Trend
Persistent disruptive behaviour is the most common reason cited for both suspensions and permanent exclusions in primary schools. However, data reveals that nearly 90% of pupils permanently excluded over the past five years had special educational needs and disabilities.
Jo, a mother whose 10-year-old son Jacob was recently excluded, says the current system fails children like him. Jacob, diagnosed with ADHD and awaiting an autism assessment, struggled with sensory issues and large class sizes.
Despite having an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), he was permanently excluded for persistent disruptive behaviour after multiple suspensions.
“Jacob is a very caring boy who loves rugby and gaming,” Jo explained. “But his sensory challenges made it hard for him to cope in a typical school environment. The school did what they could, but there just wasn’t a suitable space for him to decompress.”
Impact on Families and Children
The impact of exclusion is profound, with experts highlighting its long-term effects on children’s mental health, education, and future prospects. Jo described the emotional toll of constantly anticipating phone calls from the school reporting incidents involving her son.
“My anxiety was through the roof,” she said. “I felt like I was always on edge, wondering what would happen next.”
Campaigners argue that suspensions and exclusions disproportionately affect children with SEND, exacerbating their challenges and pushing families into crisis.
Government Response and Call for Change
The Department for Education has acknowledged the alarming rise in exclusion rates and has committed to addressing the issue.
In a statement, a government spokesperson said, “Every child deserves access to high-quality education, and we are determined to improve support for children with SEND while maintaining a safe learning environment for all pupils.”
Education experts and advocacy groups, however, are calling for systemic changes. Recommendations include increasing funding for specialist support, training teachers to manage diverse classroom needs, and ensuring that schools have appropriate facilities for children who struggle with sensory overload.
“Schools are under immense pressure, but excluding vulnerable children cannot be the solution,” said Jane Harris, a campaigner for SEND education reform. “We need a comprehensive strategy that includes early intervention and proper resources for these children.”
The Way Forward
For families like Jo’s, the situation remains urgent. Jacob is currently out of school, awaiting placement in a specialist institution that can better cater to his needs.
“All we want is for our children to be understood and supported,” Jo said. “Exclusion shouldn’t be the end of the road—it should be a wake-up call to do better for every child.”
As the government faces mounting pressure to address the issue, campaigners hope that raising awareness of the crisis will lead to meaningful reforms, ensuring a more inclusive education system for all.
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