Internal School Exclusions in England Triple Over Three Years, Disproportionately Affecting Vulnerable Students

Proportion of secondary school students in England placed in ‘internal exclusion’ almost triples in three years

Exclusive: new data shows poorer pupils and those with Send are disproportionately affected by the measure The proportion of secondary school students in England removed from class and placed in “internal exclusion” as a disciplinary measure has almost trebled in three years, according to new data. The data shows the proportion of secondary pupils removed from normal lessons went up from 5% in the 2022/2023 academic year to 13% in 2025/26 – a 160% increase. Continue reading...

By Sally Weale Education correspondent