The continuing rise in suspensions and exclusions
Our analysis of schools' attendance registers suggests there was an increase in absence due to suspension or exclusion in the Autumn term 2023/24
How schools’ inspection outcomes changed under Amanda Spielman
More schools are now judged good than in 2017 although fewer are judged outstanding
The increase in the number of pupils taught out of year group
The number of pupils taught out of year group has been increasing in recent years, with the increase appearing to have started prior to the pandemic
Where do pupils go after permanent exclusion?
Less than half of pupils of compulsory school age in 2022/23 who had previously been permanently excluded were enrolled at state-funded mainstream or special schools.
Are pupils who live further away from their school absent more often?
Pupils who live furthest away from their school, particularly disadvantaged pupils, tend to be absent slightly more often than other pupils
Risk factors of secondary school exclusion
Pupils with a history of exclusion or suspension at primary school, a history of involvement with social services and a history of disadvantage are at greatest risk of exclusion during secondary school
Did exclusions and suspensions increase in 2022/23?
Analysis of schools' attendance registers for 2022/23 suggests there has been an increase in absence due to exclusion / suspension (code E), particularly in Years 9 and 10.
September absence round-up
Absence this year appears to have increased compared to last year in secondary schools in most regions and in primary schools in the north of England.
Will universal primary free school meals help to reduce absence?
Some local authorities have provided universal free school meals for pupils in their schools for some time. We look at whether this had any impact on reducing absence