Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of difference in exclusion rates between boys and girls.

Statistics on the suspensions and permanent exclusions rates for boys and girls up to the 2023/24 academic year can be found in the following publication: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/suspensions-and-permanent-exclusions-in-england/2023-24. This has been available since 10 July 2025.

This government is clear schools can use sanctions as a measure to improve behaviour, and in the most serious cases, exclusion may be necessary to ensure every child can achieve and thrive.

​We trust head teachers to use their professional judgement, based on the individual circumstances of each case, when considering excluding a pupil. Any decision to exclude must be lawful, reasonable, and fair. The statutory ‘Suspension and permanent exclusion’ guidance is clear that, in all cases, school leaders should consider early intervention strategies to address the underlying causes or contributing factors of a pupil’s disruptive behaviour before issuing an exclusion.

As a part of our Plan for Change, we are committed to turning the tide on poor behaviour and rising exclusions.