Boys continue to have higher permanent exclusion and suspensions rates than girls
Boys continue to have more than three times the number of permanent exclusions, with 3,900 exclusions, at a rate of 0.09, compared to 1,200 for girls (0.02).
The rate of permanent exclusions for boys has decreased from 0.15 in 2018/19 and from 0.05 for girls.
The rate of suspensions has also decreased for boys, from 7.55 to 5.30, and for girls from 3.08 to 2.16.
Permanent exclusions and suspensions still peak at age 14
The permanent exclusion and suspension rates generally increase with age, and are highest at age 14 (0.22 and 10.84 respectively). This follows the same trend as 2018/19.
Rates are higher among pupils eligible for free school meal (FSM)
The permanent exclusion rate for pupils eligible for FSM is 0.16, compared to 0.04 for those not eligible. In both cases these rates have decreased in the last year.
The suspension rate is also higher at 9.34 for pupils eligible for FSM, compared to 2.58 for those not eligible.
Rates are higher among pupils with special education needs (SEN)
The permanent exclusion rate for pupils with an education, health and care (EHC) plan is 0.10, and for pupils with SEN with no EHC plan (SEN support) is 0.20, compared to 0.04 for those without SEN.
The suspension rate is also higher: 11.70 for EHC pupils and 10.98 for SEN support pupils, compared to 2.43 for those without SEN.
The highest rates are amongst those with a primary type of need recorded as social, emotional and mental heath, at 0.61 for exclusions and 33.04 for suspensions. This is in line with previous years.
Rates vary by ethnicity
Gypsy/Roma pupils continue to have the highest rates of permanent exclusions (0.23) and suspensions (15.28). Pupils of mixed White and Black Caribbean ethnicity have the second highest rate of permanent exclusion (0.15). Pupils from Traveller or Irish Heritage have the second highest rate of suspension (10.12).