“This analysis highlights a critical issue – pupils with behavioural challenges serious enough to result in being suspended are significantly less likely to achieve positive outcomes in education and life. This is not only a personal tragedy for them but also a considerable challenge for schools.
“To prevent behavioural issues from escalating, early intervention is essential. This requires sufficient investment in staff, training, and specialist support – all of which are currently in short supply due to the last government’s persistent underfunding of education and public services. As a result, we are witnessing a worrying rise in challenging behaviour, with the number of suspensions in secondary schools soaring by 38% year-on-year.
“No school ever wishes to suspend a pupil, and it is a measure taken only as a last resort. The new government must provide the necessary support to schools to address behavioural problems before they reach this critical point."