The use of permanent exclusions by schools has begun to rise again after a pandemic lull, while suspensions continue to rise.
The rate of permanent exclusion fell from 10 in every 10,000 pupils in 2018-19 to five in 2020-21 as national lockdowns restricted attendance at school.
But data for the 2021-22 academic year, published today, shows the rate rose again to eight in 10,000. As usual, the rate is higher for secondary schools (16 in every 10,000) than special (five in 10,000) and primary schools (two in every 10,000).
But exclusion rates were still at their lowest ever in a year unaffected by lockdowns.
