Inequity in inclusion: A closer look at school suspensions
Data published in July 2024[1] on school exclusions and suspensions has highlighted significant regional disparities in exclusion and suspension rates[2]. Over the past ten years, suspension rates for Free School Meal (FSM) eligible students in the South West have grown at a significantly faster rate than the national average – with over 60 suspensions per 100 pupils in the last academic year, compared with around 45 nationally – up from around 17 in the South West and nationally in 2012/13. This trend is illustrated in the graph below, which compares suspension rates from the academic year 2012/13 to 2022/23.[3]
Trends in Suspension Rates
The graph above shows a clear disparity in suspension rates between FSM eligible students in the South West and the national average for FSM students. Key observations include:
· Steady Increase in Suspension Rates: Both nationally and in the South West, suspension rates for FSM eligible students have increased over the past decade. There was a significant drop in 2019/20, likely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated school closures. Despite this, rates began to rise again in the following years and are now at their highest point.
· South West Suspension Rates Increasing Faster than Elsewhere: Whilst in 2012/13 the rate of suspensions for FSM eligible students in the South West was marginally below the England average, the region has since had consistently higher rates. Furthermore, the increase in the South West has been higher year-on-year than the England average, meaning the gap between the South West and England average has been widening.
Local authority comparison:
Key insights from the local authority data include:
· Devon: Suspension rates in Devon have seen a dramatic increase, particularly in recent years. The rate rose from 32.66 per 100 pupils in 2020/21 to a staggering 101.13 in 2022/23. This sharp rise suggests the need for a focused investigation and interventions around the factors contributing to this trend.
· Somerset: Similarly, Somerset has experienced a significant increase in suspension rates, peaking at a current 74.55. The steady rise from 16.23 in 2012/13 to the current rate indicates systemic issues.
· Plymouth and Torbay: Both Plymouth and Torbay have also seen substantial increases in suspension rates, with Plymouth reaching 63.01 and Torbay 80.82 in 2022/23. These local authorities exhibit some of the highest suspension rates in the region.
· Cornwall: While Cornwall has seen relatively low suspensions rates compared to other local authorities in the South-West peninsula and indeed the national average since 2016/17, its 2022/23 rate showed a significant uptick. At 49.49 per 100 pupils, its suspension rate is well below those of Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay but is now slightly above national average.
Comparison between FSM and non-FSM eligible students
Comparison of suspension rates of students who are and aren’t eligible for Free School Meals shows how much higher rates are for FSM eligible students. Nationally, FSM eligible students are suspended at a rate of around 45 students per 100 students, while their non-FSM eligible counterparts are suspended at a rate of just over 10 in 100 students. In the South West, these figures stand at over 60 suspensions per 100 FSM eligible students compared with fewer than 15 per 100 non-FSM eligible students.
Possible Implications of High Suspension Rates
The high suspension rates among FSM eligible students in the South West and nationally, compared to their non-FSM eligible counterparts indicate a need for urgent attention and intervention. High suspension rates can have several detrimental effects on students, including:
Academic Disruption: Suspensions remove students from the learning environment, leading to potential learning gaps.
Behavioural Impact: Frequent suspensions can contribute to negative behavioural outcomes, as students may not feel a sense of belonging and may be less engaged with school.
Long-term Consequences: Repeated suspensions can have long-term impacts on educational and employment opportunities.
Addressing the Disparities
To address these disparities, targeted strategies and interventions are necessary. These could include:
Inclusive Policies: Developing and implementing inclusive school policies that focus on restorative practices rather than punitive measures.
Support Systems: Providing additional support for FSM eligible students, such as counselling, mentoring, and academic interventions.
Professional Development: Training teachers and school staff to recognise and address the unique challenges faced by FSM eligible students.
Community Engagement: Involving parents, guardians, and the community in creating a supportive environment for students.
Conclusion
The data on school suspensions highlights a significant and apparently escalating issue in the South-West peninsula, where FSM eligible students face higher suspension and exclusion rates compared to their peers nationally. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from educators, policymakers, and the community to ensure that all students can succeed in a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
[1] Department for Education (2024)
[2] Suspension rate refers to the rate of suspensions per 100 pupils in the 2022/23 academic year. The Department for Education website states that: ‘Suspensions, also known as 'fixed period exclusions', refers to when a pupil is excluded from a school for a set period of time. A suspension can involve a part of the school day and it does not have to be for a continuous period. A pupil may be suspended for one or more periods up to a maximum of 45 school days in a single academic year. This total includes suspensions from previous schools covered by the exclusion legislation. The suspension rate is calculated as the total number of suspensions, divided by the total number of pupils (x100).’
[3] South-West Social Mobility Commission analysis (2024)