Autumn term 2023/24

Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England

Data guidance

Published 21 November 2024

Description

This page describes the data included in the ‘Suspensions and Permanent Exclusions in England: autumn term 2023/24’ accredited official statistics release’s underlying data files. This data is released under the terms of the Open Government License (opens in a new tab) (opens in new tab) and is intended to meet at least 3 stars for Open Data (opens in a new tab) (opens in new tab).

The publication methodology, available on the publication report, should be referenced alongside this data. It provides information on the data sources, their coverage and quality as well as explaining methodology used in producing the data.

Coverage

This release provides information on exclusions in: 

• state-funded primary schools
• state-funded secondary schools
• special schools (including non-maintained special schools)
• alternative provision (including pupil referral units)

The information is based on data collected via the school census

File formats and conventions

Rounding 

This dataset has not had rounding or suppression applied. 

Conventions 

The following convention is used throughout the underlying data. 

‘z’ Not applicable.

Data files

All data files associated with this releases are listed below with guidance on their content. To download any of these files, please visit our data catalogue.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - by geography

• Filename: exc_nat_region_la.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2023/24 Autumn term
• Content:
  Termly number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions and those pupils receiving one or more suspension.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
headcount	Headcount
num_schools	Number of schools
one_plus_susp	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspension
one_plus_susp_rate	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspension (rate)
perm_excl	Permanent exclusions
perm_excl_rate	Permanent exclusions (rate)
susp_rate	Suspension (rate)
suspension	Suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - school level

• Filename: exc_school.csv
• Geographic levels: School
• Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2023/24 Autumn term
• Content:
  Termly number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions and those pupils receiving one or more suspension, broken down at school level.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
headcount	Headcount
one_plus_susp	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspension
one_plus_susp_rate	Pupil enrolments with one or moresuspension (rate)
perm_excl	Permanent exclusions
perm_excl_rate	Permanent exclusions (rate)
susp_rate	Suspension (rate)
suspension	Suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - including multiple reasons (2020-21 onwards)

• Filename: exc_reasons_termly_2021_onward2.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2020/21 Autumn term to 2023/24 Autumn term
• Content:
  Termly number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions by reason for exclusion. Up to 3 reasons can be recorded for each exclusion from 2020/21.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
perm_abuse_disability	Permanent - Abuse relating to disability
perm_abuse_disability_perc	Permanent - Abuse relating to disability (%)
perm_abuse_sex_gender	Permanent - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity
perm_abuse_sex_gender_perc	Permanent - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity (%)
perm_all	Permanent - All exclusions
perm_bullying	Permanent - Bullying
perm_bullying_perc	Permanent - Bullying (%)
perm_damage	Permanent - Damage
perm_damage_perc	Permanent - Damage (%)
perm_drug_alcohol	Permanent - Drug and alcohol related
perm_drug_alcohol_perc	Permanent - Drug and alcohol related (%)
perm_media_technology	Permanent - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology
perm_media_technology_perc	Permanent - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology (%)
perm_offensive_weapon	Permanent - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item
perm_offensive_weapon_perc	Permanent - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item (%)
perm_other	Permanent - Other
perm_other_perc	Permanent - Other (%)
perm_persistent_disruptive	Permanent - Persistent disruptive behaviour
perm_persistent_disruptive_perc	Permanent - Persistent disruptive behaviour (%)
perm_physical_adult	Permanent - Physical assault against an adult
perm_physical_adult_perc	Permanent - Physical assault against an adult (%)
perm_physical_pupils	Permanent - Physical assault against a pupil
perm_physical_pupils_perc	Permanent - Physical assault against a pupil (%)
perm_public_health	Permanent - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health
perm_public_health_perc	Permanent - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health (%)
perm_racist_abuse	Permanent - Racist abuse
perm_racist_abuse_perc	Permanent - Racist abuse (%)
perm_sexual_misconduct	Permanent - Sexual misconduct
perm_sexual_misconduct_perc	Permanent - Sexual misconduct (%)
perm_theft	Permanent - Theft
perm_theft_perc	Permanent - Theft (%)
perm_verbal_adult	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult
perm_verbal_adult_perc	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult (%)
perm_verbal_pupil	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil
perm_verbal_pupil_perc	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil (%)
susp_abuse_disability	Suspension - Abuse relating to disability
susp_abuse_disability_perc	Suspension - Abuse relating to disability (%)
susp_abuse_sex_gender	Suspension - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity
susp_abuse_sex_gender_perc	Suspension - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity (%)
susp_all	Suspension - All exclusions
susp_bullying	Suspension - Bullying
susp_bullying_perc	Suspension - Bullying (%)
susp_damage	Suspension - Damage
susp_damage_perc	Suspension - Damage (%)
susp_drug_alcohol	Suspension - Drug and alcohol related
susp_drug_alcohol_perc	Suspension - Drug and alcohol related (%)
susp_media_technology	Suspension - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology
susp_media_technology_perc	Suspension - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology (%)
susp_offensive_weapon	Suspension - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item
susp_offensive_weapon_perc	Suspension - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item (%)
susp_other	Suspension - Other
susp_other_perc	Suspension - Other (%)
susp_persistent_disruptive	Suspension - Persistent disruptive behaviour
susp_persistent_disruptive_perc	Suspension - Persistent disruptive behaviour (%)
susp_physical_adult	Suspension - Physical assault against an adult
susp_physical_adult_perc	Suspension - Physical assault against an adult (%)
susp_physical_pupils	Suspension - Physical assault against a pupil
susp_physical_pupils_perc	Suspension - Physical assault against a pupil (%)
susp_public_health	Suspension - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health
susp_public_health_perc	Suspension - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health (%)
susp_racist_abuse	Suspension - Racist abuse
susp_racist_abuse_perc	Suspension - Racist abuse (%)
susp_sexual_misconduct	Suspension - Sexual misconduct
susp_sexual_misconduct_perc	Suspension - Sexual misconduct (%)
susp_theft	Suspension - Theft
susp_theft_perc	Suspension - Theft (%)
susp_verbal_adult	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult
susp_verbal_adult_perc	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult (%)
susp_verbal_pupil	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil
susp_verbal_pupil_perc	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil (%)

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.
2. Prior to 2020/21, a single reason could be recorded for each permanent exclusion and suspension. From 2020/21, up to three reasons could be recorded. These reasons were recorded without weighting or prioritisation. As such, the sum of the number of reasons will not match the total number of permanent exclusions or suspensions from 2020/21.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - by single reason (2016-17 to 2019-20)

• Filename: exc_reasons_termly_pre2021.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2019/20 Summer term
• Content:
  Termly number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions by reason for exclusion. A single reason could be recorded for each exclusion up to and including 2019/20.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
perm_abuse_disability	Permanent - Abuse relating to disability
perm_abuse_disability_perc	Permanent - Abuse relating to disability (%)
perm_abuse_sex_gender	Permanent - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity
perm_abuse_sex_gender_perc	Permanent - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity (%)
perm_all	Permanent - All exclusions
perm_bullying	Permanent - Bullying
perm_bullying_perc	Permanent - Bullying (%)
perm_damage	Permanent - Damage
perm_damage_perc	Permanent - Damage (%)
perm_drug_alcohol	Permanent - Drug and alcohol related
perm_drug_alcohol_perc	Permanent - Drug and alcohol related (%)
perm_media_technology	Permanent - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology
perm_media_technology_perc	Permanent - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology (%)
perm_offensive_weapon	Permanent - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item
perm_offensive_weapon_perc	Permanent - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item (%)
perm_other	Permanent - Other
perm_other_perc	Permanent - Other (%)
perm_persistent_disruptive	Permanent - Persistent disruptive behaviour
perm_persistent_disruptive_perc	Permanent - Persistent disruptive behaviour (%)
perm_physical_adult	Permanent - Physical assault against an adult
perm_physical_adult_perc	Permanent - Physical assault against an adult (%)
perm_physical_pupils	Permanent - Physical assault against a pupil
perm_physical_pupils_perc	Permanent - Physical assault against a pupil (%)
perm_public_health	Permanent - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health
perm_public_health_perc	Permanent - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health (%)
perm_racist_abuse	Permanent - Racist abuse
perm_racist_abuse_perc	Permanent - Racist abuse (%)
perm_sexual_misconduct	Permanent - Sexual misconduct
perm_sexual_misconduct_perc	Permanent - Sexual misconduct (%)
perm_theft	Permanent - Theft
perm_theft_perc	Permanent - Theft (%)
perm_verbal_adult	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult
perm_verbal_adult_perc	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult (%)
perm_verbal_pupil	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil
perm_verbal_pupil_perc	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil (%)
susp_abuse_disability	Suspension - Abuse relating to disability
susp_abuse_disability_perc	Suspension - Abuse relating to disability (%)
susp_abuse_sex_gender	Suspension - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity
susp_abuse_sex_gender_perc	Suspension - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity (%)
susp_all	Suspension - All exclusions
susp_bullying	Suspension - Bullying
susp_bullying_perc	Suspension - Bullying (%)
susp_damage	Suspension - Damage
susp_damage_perc	Suspension - Damage (%)
susp_drug_alcohol	Suspension - Drug and alcohol related
susp_drug_alcohol_perc	Suspension - Drug and alcohol related (%)
susp_media_technology	Suspension - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology
susp_media_technology_perc	Suspension - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology (%)
susp_offensive_weapon	Suspension - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item
susp_offensive_weapon_perc	Suspension - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item (%)
susp_other	Suspension - Other
susp_other_perc	Suspension - Other (%)
susp_persistent_disruptive	Suspension - Persistent disruptive behaviour
susp_persistent_disruptive_perc	Suspension - Persistent disruptive behaviour (%)
susp_physical_adult	Suspension - Physical assault against an adult
susp_physical_adult_perc	Suspension - Physical assault against an adult (%)
susp_physical_pupils	Suspension - Physical assault against a pupil
susp_physical_pupils_perc	Suspension - Physical assault against a pupil (%)
susp_public_health	Suspension - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health
susp_public_health_perc	Suspension - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health (%)
susp_racist_abuse	Suspension - Racist abuse
susp_racist_abuse_perc	Suspension - Racist abuse (%)
susp_sexual_misconduct	Suspension - Sexual misconduct
susp_sexual_misconduct_perc	Suspension - Sexual misconduct (%)
susp_theft	Suspension - Theft
susp_theft_perc	Suspension - Theft (%)
susp_verbal_adult	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult
susp_verbal_adult_perc	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult (%)
susp_verbal_pupil	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil
susp_verbal_pupil_perc	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil (%)

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.
2. Prior to 2020/21, a single reason could be recorded for each permanent exclusion and suspension. From 2020/21, up to three reasons could be recorded. These reasons were recorded without weighting or prioritisation. As such, the sum of the number of reasons will not match the total number of permanent exclusions or suspensions from 2020/21.

Suspensions - average days missed

• Filename: exc_av_days_missed_susp.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2023/24 Autumn term
• Content:
  Average number of suspensions and average days lost per suspended pupil during the term.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
average_days_missed_susp	Average days missed per suspended pupil. (Number of days of suspension / pupils with one or more suspension).
average_number_susp	Average number of suspensions per excluded pupil. (Number of suspensions/ pupils with one or more suspension).
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, state-funded secondary, special, Total
headcount	Headcount
num_schools	Number of schools
number_days_susp	Number of days of suspensions
one_plus_susp	Pupil enrolments with one or moresuspension
sessions_susp	Number of sessions of suspensions
suspension	Suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions - days missed per pupil (in the term)

• Filename: exc_days_missed_susp.csv
• Geographic levels: National
• Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2023/24 Autumn term
• Content:
  Number of pupil enrolments by total length of suspensions accrued across the term.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
days_missed_suspension	Number of days missed to suspensions
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
headcount	Number of pupils

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions - duration of suspension

• Filename: exc_duration_suspension.csv
• Geographic levels: National
• Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2023/24 Autumn term
• Content:
  Number of suspensions by length of suspension in days.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
duration_days_susp	Duration of suspension in days
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
suspension	Number of suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions - number of suspensions per pupil

• Filename: exc_number_susp.csv
• Geographic levels: National
• Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2023/24 Autumn term
• Content:
  Number of pupils by the number of suspensions they have received (termly).

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
headcount	Number of pupils
suspension	Number of suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - state-funded alternative provision (including PRU)

• Filename: exc_pru.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2016/17 Autumn term to 2023/24 Autumn term
• Content:
  Termly number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions and those pupils receiving one or more suspension in state-funded alternative provision settings (includes pupil referral units, AP free schools and AP academies).

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
headcount	Headcount
num_schools	Number of schools
one_plus_susp	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspension
one_plus_susp_rate	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspensionn (rate)
perm_excl	Permanent exclusions
perm_excl_rate	Permanent exclusions (rate)
susp_rate	Suspension (rate)
suspension	Suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.
2. Headcount for all settings including alternative provision do not include dual subsidiary pupils also on roll at another establishment. Alternative provision settings tend to be disproportionately impacted by this when calculating rates of suspensions and permanent exclusions, which can appear significantly higher than other phases.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - by characteristic

• Filename: exc_characteristics3.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2019/20 Autumn term to 2023/24 Autumn term
• Content:
  Termly number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions and those pupils receiving one or more suspension by pupil characteristics. Includes breakdowns by age, sex, national curriculum year, ethnicity, eligibility for Free School Meals (FSM) and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
characteristic	Characteristic - Detail of age, gender, national curriculum year, ethnicity, fsm, SEN
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
headcount	Headcount
one_plus_susp	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspension
one_plus_susp_rate	Pupil enrolments with one or moresuspension (rate)
perm_excl	Permanent exclusions
perm_excl_rate	Permanent exclusions (rate)
susp_rate	Suspension (rate)
suspension	Suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.
2. From 2023/24 the school census data item ‘sex’ replaced ‘gender’. Historical use of the word “gender” in the data collection may have meant that “gender identity” was reported in some cases, as opposed to legal sex. While this is unlikely to have a significant effect on overall figures, it may affect figures in more granular subdivisions. Time-series in this publication prior to spring 2023 which contained gender as a category may be affected.
3. Data on one or more suspensions may not match the totals in the "Permanent exclusions and suspensions - by geography" data file - this occurs where a characteristic changes within the term and suspensions are recorded separately against each. For example, a pupil with multiple suspensions while recorded as not having SEN and with multiple suspensions while recorded as SEN support in the same term, will count as two enrolments in this data.
4. EHC plans – A pupil has an EHC plan when a formal assessment has been made. A document is in place that sets out the child’s need and the extra help they should receive. EHC plans were introduced in September 2014 replacing Statements of SEN, with these being phased out by April 2018. This category therefore includes Statements of SEN for the years up to 2018.
5. SEN support - From 2015, the School Action and School Action Plus categories were combined to form one category of SEN support. Extra or different help is given from that provided as part of the school’s usual curriculum. The class teacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) may receive advice or support from outside specialists. The pupil does not have an Education, Health and Care plan.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - full year by geography

• Filename: exc_nat_region_la_fy.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2006/07 to 2022/23
• Content:
  Annual number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions and those pupils receiving one or more suspension.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
headcount	Headcount
num_schools	Number of schools
one_plus_susp	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspension
one_plus_susp_rate	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspension (rate)
perm_excl	Permanent exclusions
perm_excl_rate	Permanent exclusions (rate)
susp_rate	Suspension (rate)
suspension	Suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - full year school level

• Filename: exc_school_fy.csv
• Geographic levels: School
• Time period: 2006/07 to 2022/23
• Content:
  Annual number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions and those pupils receiving one or more suspension, broken down at school level.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
headcount	Headcount
num_schools	Number of schools
one_plus_susp	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspension
one_plus_susp_rate	Pupil enrolments with one or moresuspension (rate)
perm_excl	Permanent exclusions
perm_excl_rate	Permanent exclusions (rate)
susp_rate	Suspension (rate)
suspension	Suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - full year including multiple reasons (2020-21 onwards)

• Filename: exc_multiple_reasons_fy.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2020/21 to 2022/23
• Content:
  Annual number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions by reason for exclusion. Up to 3 reasons can be recorded for each exclusion from 2020/21.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
perm_abuse_disability	Permanent - Abuse relating to disability
perm_abuse_disability_perc	Permanent - Abuse relating to disability (%)
perm_abuse_sex_gender	Permanent - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity
perm_abuse_sex_gender_perc	Permanent - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity (%)
perm_all	Permanent - All exclusions
perm_bullying	Permanent - Bullying
perm_bullying_perc	Permanent - Bullying (%)
perm_damage	Permanent - Damage
perm_damage_perc	Permanent - Damage (%)
perm_drug_alcohol	Permanent - Drug and alcohol related
perm_drug_alcohol_perc	Permanent - Drug and alcohol related (%)
perm_media_technology	Permanent - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology
perm_media_technology_perc	Permanent - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology (%)
perm_offensive_weapon	Permanent - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item
perm_offensive_weapon_perc	Permanent - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item (%)
perm_other	Permanent - Other
perm_other_perc	Permanent - Other (%)
perm_persistent_disruptive	Permanent - Persistent disruptive behaviour
perm_persistent_disruptive_perc	Permanent - Persistent disruptive behaviour (%)
perm_physical_adult	Permanent - Physical assault against an adult
perm_physical_adult_perc	Permanent - Physical assault against an adult (%)
perm_physical_pupils	Permanent - Physical assault against a pupil
perm_physical_pupils_perc	Permanent - Physical assault against a pupil (%)
perm_public_health	Permanent - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health
perm_public_health_perc	Permanent - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health (%)
perm_racist_abuse	Permanent - Racist abuse
perm_racist_abuse_perc	Permanent - Racist abuse (%)
perm_sexual_misconduct	Permanent - Sexual misconduct
perm_sexual_misconduct_perc	Permanent - Sexual misconduct (%)
perm_theft	Permanent - Theft
perm_theft_perc	Permanent - Theft (%)
perm_verbal_adult	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult
perm_verbal_adult_perc	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult (%)
perm_verbal_pupil	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil
perm_verbal_pupil_perc	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil (%)
susp_abuse_disability	Suspension - Abuse relating to disability
susp_abuse_disability_perc	Suspension - Abuse relating to disability (%)
susp_abuse_sex_gender	Suspension - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity
susp_abuse_sex_gender_perc	Suspension - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity (%)
susp_all	Suspension - All exclusions
susp_bullying	Suspension - Bullying
susp_bullying_perc	Suspension - Bullying (%)
susp_damage	Suspension - Damage
susp_damage_perc	Suspension - Damage (%)
susp_drug_alcohol	Suspension - Drug and alcohol related
susp_drug_alcohol_perc	Suspension - Drug and alcohol related (%)
susp_media_technology	Suspension - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology
susp_media_technology_perc	Suspension - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology (%)
susp_offensive_weapon	Suspension - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item
susp_offensive_weapon_perc	Suspension - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item (%)
susp_other	Suspension - Other
susp_other_perc	Suspension - Other (%)
susp_persistent_disruptive	Suspension - Persistent disruptive behaviour
susp_persistent_disruptive_perc	Suspension - Persistent disruptive behaviour (%)
susp_physical_adult	Suspension - Physical assault against an adult
susp_physical_adult_perc	Suspension - Physical assault against an adult (%)
susp_physical_pupils	Suspension - Physical assault against a pupil
susp_physical_pupils_perc	Suspension - Physical assault against a pupil (%)
susp_public_health	Suspension - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health
susp_public_health_perc	Suspension - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health (%)
susp_racist_abuse	Suspension - Racist abuse
susp_racist_abuse_perc	Suspension - Racist abuse (%)
susp_sexual_misconduct	Suspension - Sexual misconduct
susp_sexual_misconduct_perc	Suspension - Sexual misconduct (%)
susp_theft	Suspension - Theft
susp_theft_perc	Suspension - Theft (%)
susp_verbal_adult	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult
susp_verbal_adult_perc	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult (%)
susp_verbal_pupil	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil
susp_verbal_pupil_perc	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil (%)

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.
2. Prior to 2020/21, a single reason could be recorded for each permanent exclusion and suspension. From 2020/21, up to three reasons could be recorded. These reasons were recorded without weighting or prioritisation. As such, the sum of the number of reasons will not match the total number of permanent exclusions or suspensions from 2020/21.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - full year by single reason (2016-17 to 2019-20)

• Filename: exc_reason_1920_fy.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2006/07 to 2019/20
• Content:
  Annual number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions by reason for exclusion. A single reason could be recorded for each exclusion up to and including 2019/20.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
perm_abuse_disability	Permanent - Abuse relating to disability
perm_abuse_disability_perc	Permanent - Abuse relating to disability (%)
perm_abuse_sex_gender	Permanent - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity
perm_abuse_sex_gender_perc	Permanent - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity (%)
perm_all	Permanent - All exclusions
perm_bullying	Permanent - Bullying
perm_bullying_perc	Permanent - Bullying (%)
perm_damage	Permanent - Damage
perm_damage_perc	Permanent - Damage (%)
perm_drug_alcohol	Permanent - Drug and alcohol related
perm_drug_alcohol_perc	Permanent - Drug and alcohol related (%)
perm_media_technology	Permanent - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology
perm_media_technology_perc	Permanent - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology (%)
perm_offensive_weapon	Permanent - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item
perm_offensive_weapon_perc	Permanent - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item (%)
perm_other	Permanent - Other
perm_other_perc	Permanent - Other (%)
perm_persistent_disruptive	Permanent - Persistent disruptive behaviour
perm_persistent_disruptive_perc	Permanent - Persistent disruptive behaviour (%)
perm_physical_adult	Permanent - Physical assault against an adult
perm_physical_adult_perc	Permanent - Physical assault against an adult (%)
perm_physical_pupils	Permanent - Physical assault against a pupil
perm_physical_pupils_perc	Permanent - Physical assault against a pupil (%)
perm_public_health	Permanent - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health
perm_public_health_perc	Permanent - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health (%)
perm_racist_abuse	Permanent - Racist abuse
perm_racist_abuse_perc	Permanent - Racist abuse (%)
perm_sexual_misconduct	Permanent - Sexual misconduct
perm_sexual_misconduct_perc	Permanent - Sexual misconduct (%)
perm_theft	Permanent - Theft
perm_theft_perc	Permanent - Theft (%)
perm_verbal_adult	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult
perm_verbal_adult_perc	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult (%)
perm_verbal_pupil	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil
perm_verbal_pupil_perc	Permanent - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil (%)
susp_abuse_disability	Suspension - Abuse relating to disability
susp_abuse_disability_perc	Suspension - Abuse relating to disability (%)
susp_abuse_sex_gender	Suspension - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity
susp_abuse_sex_gender_perc	Suspension - Abuse against sexual orientation and gender identity (%)
susp_all	Suspension - All exclusions
susp_bullying	Suspension - Bullying
susp_bullying_perc	Suspension - Bullying (%)
susp_damage	Suspension - Damage
susp_damage_perc	Suspension - Damage (%)
susp_drug_alcohol	Suspension - Drug and alcohol related
susp_drug_alcohol_perc	Suspension - Drug and alcohol related (%)
susp_media_technology	Suspension - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology
susp_media_technology_perc	Suspension - Inappropriate use of social media or online technology (%)
susp_offensive_weapon	Suspension - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item
susp_offensive_weapon_perc	Suspension - Use or threat of use of an offensive weapon or prohibited item (%)
susp_other	Suspension - Other
susp_other_perc	Suspension - Other (%)
susp_persistent_disruptive	Suspension - Persistent disruptive behaviour
susp_persistent_disruptive_perc	Suspension - Persistent disruptive behaviour (%)
susp_physical_adult	Suspension - Physical assault against an adult
susp_physical_adult_perc	Suspension - Physical assault against an adult (%)
susp_physical_pupils	Suspension - Physical assault against a pupil
susp_physical_pupils_perc	Suspension - Physical assault against a pupil (%)
susp_public_health	Suspension - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health
susp_public_health_perc	Suspension - Wilful and repeated transgression of protective measures in place to protect public health (%)
susp_racist_abuse	Suspension - Racist abuse
susp_racist_abuse_perc	Suspension - Racist abuse (%)
susp_sexual_misconduct	Suspension - Sexual misconduct
susp_sexual_misconduct_perc	Suspension - Sexual misconduct (%)
susp_theft	Suspension - Theft
susp_theft_perc	Suspension - Theft (%)
susp_verbal_adult	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult
susp_verbal_adult_perc	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult (%)
susp_verbal_pupil	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil
susp_verbal_pupil_perc	Suspension - Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against a pupil (%)

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.
2. Prior to 2020/21, a single reason could be recorded for each permanent exclusion and suspension. From 2020/21, up to three reasons could be recorded. These reasons were recorded without weighting or prioritisation. As such, the sum of the number of reasons will not match the total number of permanent exclusions or suspensions from 2020/21.

Suspensions - full year average days missed

• Filename: exc_av_days_missed_susp_fy.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2013/14 to 2022/23
• Content:
  Average number of suspensions and average days lost per suspended pupil during the year.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
average_days_missed_susp	Average days missed per suspended pupil. (Number of days of suspension / pupils with one or more suspension).
average_number_susp	Average number of suspensions per excluded pupil. (Number of suspensions/ pupils with one or more suspension).
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, state-funded secondary, special, Total
headcount	Headcount
num_schools	Number of schools
number_days_susp	Number of days of suspensions
one_plus_susp	Pupil enrolments with one or moresuspension
sessions_susp	Number of sessions of suspensions
suspension	Suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - full year by characteristic

• Filename: exc_characteristics_fy.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2006/07 to 2022/23
• Content:
  Annual number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions and those pupils receiving one or more suspension by pupil characteristics. Includes breakdowns by age, sex, national curriculum year, ethnicity, eligibility for Free School Meals (FSM) and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
characteristic	Pupil characteristic - Detail of age, sex, national curriculum year, ethnicity, fsm, SEN
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
headcount	Headcount
one_plus_susp	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspension
one_plus_susp_rate	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspension (rate)
perm_excl	Permanent exclusions
perm_excl_rate	Permanent exclusions (rate)
susp_rate	Suspension (rate)
suspension	Suspensions

Footnotes

1. From 2023/24 the school census data item ‘sex’ replaced ‘gender’. Historical use of the word “gender” in the data collection may have meant that “gender identity” was reported in some cases, as opposed to legal sex. While this is unlikely to have a significant effect on overall figures, it may affect figures in more granular subdivisions. Time-series in this publication prior to spring 2023 which contained gender as a category may be affected.
2. Data on one or more suspensions may not match the totals in the "Permanent exclusions and suspensions - by geography" data file - this occurs where a characteristic changes within the term and suspensions are recorded separately against each. For example, a pupil with multiple suspensions while recorded as not having SEN and with multiple suspensions while recorded as SEN support in the same term, will count as two enrolments in this data.
3. EHC plans – A pupil has an EHC plan when a formal assessment has been made. A document is in place that sets out the child’s need and the extra help they should receive. EHC plans were introduced in September 2014 replacing Statements of SEN, with these being phased out by April 2018. This category therefore includes Statements of SEN for the years up to 2018.
4. SEN support - From 2015, the School Action and School Action Plus categories were combined to form one category of SEN support. Extra or different help is given from that provided as part of the school’s usual curriculum. The class teacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) may receive advice or support from outside specialists. The pupil does not have an Education, Health and Care plan.

Suspensions - full year days missed per pupil in the year

• Filename: exc_days_missed_susp_fy.csv
• Geographic levels: National
• Time period: 2006/07 to 2022/23
• Content:
  Number of pupil enrolments by total length of suspensions accrued across the academic year.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
days_missed_suspension	Number of days missed to suspensions
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
headcount	Number of pupils

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions - full year duration of suspension

• Filename: exc_duration_suspension_fy.csv
• Geographic levels: National
• Time period: 2006/07 to 2022/23
• Content:
  Number of suspensions by length of suspension in days.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
duration_days_susp	Duration of suspension in days
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
suspension	Number of suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions - full year number of suspensions per pupil

• Filename: exc_number_susp_fy.csv
• Geographic levels: National
• Time period: 2006/07 to 2022/23
• Content:
  Number of pupils by the number of suspensions they have received (academic year).

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
education_phase	School Type - State-funded primary, secondary and special
headcount	Number of pupils
suspension	Number of suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.

Suspensions and permanent exclusions - full year state-funded alternative provision (inc PRU)

• Filename: exc_ap_nat_reg_la.csv
• Geographic levels: Local authority; National; Regional
• Time period: 2013/14 to 2022/23
• Content:
  Annual number and percentage of suspensions and permanent exclusions and those pupils receiving one or more suspension in state-funded alternative provision settings (includes pupil referral units, AP free schools and AP academies).

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable name	Variable description
headcount	Headcount
num_schools	Number of schools
one_plus_susp	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspension
one_plus_susp_rate	Pupil enrolments with one or more suspensionn (rate)
perm_excl	Permanent exclusions
perm_excl_rate	Permanent exclusions (rate)
susp_rate	Suspension (rate)
suspension	Suspensions

Footnotes

1. For 2019/20 and 2020/21, while suspensions and permanent exclusions were possible throughout the academic year, pandemic restrictions will have had an impact on the numbers presented and caution should be taken when comparing across years.
2. Headcount for all settings including alternative provision do not include dual subsidiary pupils also on roll at another establishment. Alternative provision settings tend to be disproportionately impacted by this when calculating rates of suspensions and permanent exclusions, which can appear significantly higher than other phases.