The true cost of the exclusion crisis

In recent years suspensions and permanent exclusions in schools have been increasing dramatically. This is in line with the behaviour crisis that seen schools reporting pupil behaviour as “worse than ever”.

The impact of the exclusion crisis goes beyond the education system and can have dire consequences for schools, pupils, and the economy as a whole. In this article we’ll discuss the impact of the exclusion crisis and propose a way schools can tackle it.

What is the exclusion crisis?

Over the last few years there has been a sharp increase in school suspensions and permanent exclusions. From 2023 to 2024 suspensions rose by 11.99%, permanent exclusions rose to a lesser degree by 2.23% which equates to 3107 exclusions in the academic year of 2023/2024.

The most common reason for suspensions and permanent exclusions were persistent disruptive behaviours with 51% of reported suspensions and 38% of permanent exclusions being due to this reason.

Pupils with Special Education Needs (SEN) and those with Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility are far more likely to be suspended or permanently excluded compared to students without SEN or FSM eligibility.

The cost of exclusion

While it may appear that suspensions and exclusions do not cost money, the reality is that schools will lose significantly from permanent exclusions. The cost is calculated by reviewing the time spent by the staff members in engaging and arranging the exclusion, any additional time spent, and of course the loss of funding per pupil.

In 2025 the funding per pupils is £8,210. When considering the number of permanent exclusions this equates to £25,508,470 in lost funding.

The social impact of exclusion

Young people benefit greatly from being in some form of education during their formative years. Pupils who have been temporarily or permanently excluded from schools are more likely to be incarcerated later in life.

Additionally, early adulthood outcomes for pupils who have been suspended at least once in secondary school are poor. These pupils are twice more likely to not be in sustained education, employment or training at age 24, 2.5 times more likely to receive out-of-work-benefit by age 24 and 2.7 times more likely to receive health-related benefits by age 24.

Alternative Provision as a preventative measure

It’s clear that action must be taken in order to support schools and pupils and reduce the rates of suspensions and exclusions. As schools are currently struggling, it is only logical that we must consider alternative ways to tackle the challenges.

Alternative Provision (AP) is programmes arranged by a Local Authority or school for pupils who cannot attend mainstream school. AP can be used short term to help pupils that have been suspended or excluded to reintegrate into mainstream school, or long-term allowing pupils to complete their secondary education within the programme.

AP can be a fantastic way to reengage pupils who have been struggling in mainstream education. The smaller class sizes allow for a 1-2-1 approach with the pupil helping to get to the root cause of the issue. The flexible and alternative education methods can be adapted to fit the pupils’ learning style and needs which is especially important for SEN pupils.

Thanks to the flexibility and personalisation within AP, it can offer ways to reengage the pupil and help them overcome the difficulties they are experiencing through mainstream education. These students can then be reintegrated into mainstream school or complete their education in the AP setting.

Arranging AP ahead of the situation escalating into exclusion is a key preventative measure to permanent exclusion and can serve as an early intervention to support the pupil and ensure their long-term success.

LMP Action’s Alternative Provision

LMP Action’s Alternative Provision encompasses inclusion, restoration and self-awareness practices. Harnessing personal responsibility and growth to support and develop young people. LMP Action is experienced in delivering support to young people to help them reintegrate into mainstream education by using restorative practice, specialist programmes, vocational qualifications and core subject learning where attending mainstream education is not suitable.

Contact LMP Action’s Alternative Provision to discuss how we can support your school and pupils further. Book a discovery call.