School exclusions on the rise

As exclusion and suspension rates across Yorkshire continue to increase, we take a look at why this is and what’s being done to reverse the trend.

Transcript

00:00The latest figures from the Department for Education show school exclusions and suspensions

00:07across Leeds and South Yorkshire remain high. Leeds saw an increase in permanent exclusions

00:13this spring, while temporary suspensions rose sharply, exceeding 5,000 in just one term.

00:20Meanwhile, Doncaster and Calderdale also saw rising exclusion rates,

00:24prompting concern among education leaders in our region. Experts suggest persistent

00:32disruptive behaviour is the leading cause, but they also point to broader social challenges,

00:37including the ongoing impact of the pandemic and rising living costs. School leaders here say

00:43exclusion is always a last resort, but they argue they simply don't have sufficient

00:48resources to deal with pupils' increasingly complex needs.

00:51Educational charities warn that disadvantaged children across our area are particularly

00:58vulnerable, being up to five times more likely to be excluded. They emphasise that suspended or

01:04excluded students are significantly less likely to pass core subjects at GCSE

01:10and face greater risks of unemployment later in life.

01:14Schools across Leeds and South Yorkshire are now urging the government to provide

01:19better funded mental health support and early intervention to keep more pupils engaged with

01:24education. Educational experts in the region also say greater funding and resources are urgently

01:32needed to tackle this ongoing issue. Without action, they fear these figures could continue to rise,

01:39effecting even more young people's futures.