School Exclusions in England
Exclusions from schools in England have been rising in recent years. This paper discusses the increase, some potential causes, and related government policy.
Recent years have seen a significant rise in the number of school exclusions in England. Research has found that exclusion numbers are highest among vulnerable children, those from less affluent backgrounds, and children with special educational needs.
There has also been a rise in concerns about pupil behaviour since the covid pandemic. Research has found the pupils who are excluded from school can have worse future prospects, in physical and mental health as well as employment.
The government announced new RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs in May 2025 to address related issues, and has said that the schools white paper expected in autumn 2025 will include plans to tackle bad behaviour.
This short briefing sets out some key statistics on the rise in exclusions in recent years, as well as some recent related research and government policy. It does not aim to be exhaustive but instead to outline the extent of recent increase and its potential causes.
Education policy is a devolved matter and this briefing relates to developments in England.