For the first time since Covid, school closures have fallen in England

School closures and exclusions have fallen in England for the first time since the outbreak, government data showed on Thursday.

There were 913,000 suspensions in public schools in 2024/25, a 4% decrease compared to the previous year.

Permanent exclusions were also down 9%, at 9,900.

Suspension rates decreased in high schools and special schools, but increased in elementary schools.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the outbreak had left a “terrible legacy” but teachers across the country were helping the next generation “turn the corner”.

“After years of chaotic bans and permanent exclusions, there are clear signs that the combined efforts of schools, parents and government are working – and we are determined to continue that progress to fix the behavior problems we inherited,” she said.

Prior to the latest data, rates of suspensions and exclusions in English schools were on the rise before the outbreak.

Last year, school suspensions were at their highest level in 20 years, and despite the reduction on Thursday, rates are still higher than in 2018/19.

Suspended students must remain out of school for a period of up to a maximum of 45 days per school year, while suspended students are permanently removed from their school.

About half (46%) of suspensions were for one day or less. But last year, 94,400 students missed more than a week of school due to suspensions.

Schools may give up to three reasons for each suspension or exclusion. More than half (52%) of the reasons given for suspensions in 2024/25 and 40% of exclusions were for persistent disruptive behavior in which pupils were sent home.

The next two most common reasons for suspension are verbal abuse or threatening behavior toward an adult, followed by physical abuse toward a student.

High school students account for the majority of all suspensions (85%).

However, suspension rates increased in elementary schools compared to high schools. There were 112,545 suspensions in primary schools in 2024/25, an increase of 7,742 compared to the previous year.