Rise in school suspensions shocks North East as disparities and mental health concerns deepen

Data reveals sharp increase in suspensions across England, with the North East hit hardest amid debates over disciplinary practices and the support needs of vulnerable pupils.

Government figures released on Thursday showed the North East recorded the steepest rise in suspension rates over the past decade, intensifying debate over why so many pupils are being taken out of classrooms and what schools can do to stop it. Across England, the most common reason for suspension in the latest Department for Education data was persistent disruptive behaviour, which accounted for 51% of cases, while verbal abuse or threatening behaviour towards adults made up 15% and physical assaults 18%.

The broader picture points to a sharp rise in school discipline measures. The Department for Education said suspensions in England rose 21% in 2023-24 to 955,000, while permanent exclusions increased 16% to 10,900. Tes reported that both measures reached record highs, with persistent disruptive behaviour again the leading cause. Sky News also reported that nearly 300,000 pupils were suspended in the spring term of 2023-24 alone.

The reasons behind those figures are disputed. Some parents and commenters in the North East argue that schools are too quick to punish children for behaviour linked to autism, trauma or other unmet needs, while others say discipline starts at home and schools are left to deal with the consequences. Education leaders in the region have said poverty, rising numbers of children with complex special educational needs and disabilities and worsening mental health are placing extra strain on schools, with some needs not identified until after a suspension or exclusion has already happened.

There are also concerns that exclusion is hitting disadvantaged pupils hardest. The Institute for Public Policy Research has said nearly half of suspensions in England are issued to children with special educational needs, even though they make up about a fifth of the school population, and that 60% go to pupils eligible for free school meals. Together, the figures suggest a wider challenge than classroom discipline alone, with schools, councils and families all under pressure to respond before problems escalate.