School suspensions fall in England for the first time since Covid

School suspensions fall in England for the first time since Covid, according to new government data released Thursday. In 2024/25, there were 913,000 suspensions in state schools, down 4% from the previous year, while permanent exclusions fell 9% to 9,900. Rates declined in secondary and special schools, but increased in primary schools. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the pandemic left a “pernicious legacy” yet pointed to efforts by schools, parents, and the government to address behavior concerns. Suspensions can keep pupils out for up to 45 days, and nearly half (46%) were for one day or less, though 94,400 pupils missed more than a week. Persistent disruptive behavior accounted for just over half (52%) of suspension reasons, with secondary pupils representing 85% of suspensions.