Young people who are suspended from secondary school face a challenging road ahead, according to a recent report by the Education Policy Institute (EPI). The report suggests that these individuals are twice as likely to be out of education, employment, or training in early adulthood compared to their peers who have not been suspended. This alarming statistic sheds light on the long-term consequences of school suspensions and the need for early intervention to address the underlying issues.
The EPI research, commissioned by charity Impetus, analyzed a cohort of 576,000 state school pupils in England who started Year 7 in 2006. The study followed these students through secondary school into early adulthood up to the age of 24. Approximately 16% of the pupils in the cohort were suspended at least once during their secondary school years. The findings revealed that those who were suspended were more likely to experience poor outcomes in adulthood, such as not achieving Level 3 qualifications or attending university.
The rise in suspensions in England has been a cause for concern, with Government figures showing a record high of 786,961 suspensions in the 2022/23 academic year, compared to 578,280 in the previous year. This increase has been attributed to challenging behavior in classrooms following the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The research highlighted the importance of GCSE attainment in the relationship between suspension and outcomes in adulthood. Pupils who were suspended during secondary school tended to have lower GCSE grades, which in turn limited their access to further education opportunities. This underscores the need for targeted interventions to support these students and prevent long-term negative consequences.
The EPI report called for early intervention to address the factors leading to suspensions, emphasizing the importance of resourcing schools, colleges, and wider services to support students who are struggling. The Government was urged to develop a program of work to respond to the behavior that led to suspensions and to build an evidence base on effective strategies for supporting students who experience multiple suspensions.
Carlie Goldsmith, senior policy advisor at Impetus, emphasized the need to prioritize supporting pupils who are struggling to engage in mainstream education and ensuring they achieve crucial qualifications. Lowering exclusion levels was seen as a sign of a more effective education system that benefits both students and teachers.
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, acknowledged the challenges faced by schools in addressing behavioral issues that lead to suspensions. He stressed the importance of providing necessary support to schools to prevent behavioral problems from escalating to the point of suspension.
The report also highlighted the vulnerability of excluded children to exploitation and the need for a proactive approach to behavior management that prioritizes students‘ well-being. The Children’s Society called for stronger guidelines for schools and increased funding for early intervention services to ensure that every child has the opportunity to stay in school, learn, and succeed.
In response to the concerning figures on school suspensions, a Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson outlined the Government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of poor behavior. Initiatives such as providing access to mental health professionals in schools, free breakfast clubs, and earlier intervention for pupils with special needs are part of the Government’s strategy to reduce disruptive behavior and break down barriers to opportunity.
Overall, the report sheds light on the significant impact of school suspensions on young people’s future outcomes and underscores the importance of early intervention and support to prevent long-term negative consequences. By addressing the underlying issues that lead to suspensions, schools and policymakers can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in education and beyond.