DfE Exclusions: headline facts and figures - 2022/23
There were 787,000 suspensions in the 2022/23 academic year
This is an increase from the previous year, when 578,300 suspensions occurred, and the highest recorded annual number of suspensions. This is the equivalent of 933 suspensions per 10,000 pupils.
There were 9,400 permanent exclusions in the 2022/23 academic year
This is an increase from 6,500 in 2021/22 and the highest recorded annual number of permanent exclusions. This is the equivalent of 11 permanent exclusions for every 10,000 pupils.
The most common reason for suspensions and permanent exclusions was persistent disruptive behaviour.
Persistent disruptive behaviour accounted for 48% of all reasons given for suspension and for 39% of reasons for permanent exclusions. This is in line with previous years where this reason was the most commonly recorded.
Department for Education: Permanent Exclusions and Suspensions in England: 2022/23 Autumn Term
The figures shown here refer to the following in the autumn term of 2022/23:
[1] Suspensions (previously fixed-term exclusions)
[2] Permanent exclusions ( when a pupil is not allowed to attend or return to that specific school unless the exclusion is overturned).
Click the Department for Education link on the right for more detailed statistics.
When a pupil is not allowed to attend a school for a set period of time. This can be for part of a school day and does not have to be for a continuous period. A pupil can be suspended for 1 or more periods up to a maximum of 45 school days in a single academic year. This total includes exclusions from previous schools covered by the exclusion legislation so pupils with repeat exclusions can inflate suspension rates.
Suspensions and permanent exclusion numbers have increased compared to previous terms.
The numbers of pupils excluded with diagnosed / and undiagnosed SEND issues has also increased.
Persistent disruptive behaviour was included as a reason in 55% of all suspensions and 49% of all permanent exclusions in autumn term 2022/23. This is in line with previous terms and years where this reason was the most commonly recorded.