Responding to the latest exclusions data, which shows a rise in pupil suspensions and exclusions during the Spring term compared to 2024, though a drop in numbers compared to the Autumn term, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Suspensions and exclusions are a last resort in response to pupil behaviour that is too disruptive, as schools have a duty to make sure that they provide a safe environment in which all pupils can learn.

“The poor behaviour that leads to suspension and exclusion often has causes outside the classroom, with big challenges facing children and families, including poverty, the cost-of-living crisis, accessing wider services for SEND support, and some lingering impact of the pandemic.

“Schools do their best to help pupils navigate all of these challenges, but they are not able to solve everything alone. Vital services like social care, children’s mental health, behaviour support teams, and special educational needs provision have been cut or failed to keep pace with demand over the last decade.

“While the new government has promised to address some of these issues, setting up a child poverty taskforce and making clear its intention to address the crisis in special educational needs provision, it needs to act faster. Too many pupils are being let down while investment is delayed.

“Schools can’t do it on their own. To avoid suspension and exclusion, they need funded, specialist help to meet every child’s needs.”