Study reveals pupils most at risk of school suspension and what may help them
School suspensions are associated with a complex combination of socioeconomic disadvantage, special educational needs, peer relationships and students' experiences of school, according to new research from The University of Manchester.
A recent study from The University of Manchester reveals that students receiving special educational needs (SEN) support, those eligible for free school meals, and those with a history of bullying or substance use are at the highest risk of being suspended from school. The research, published in the British Educational Research Journal, analyzed survey responses from over 19,000 secondary school students across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Factors such as feeling a sense of belonging at school, satisfaction with academic achievement, positive relationships with staff, and strong emotion regulation skills were associated with a lower likelihood of suspension. Lead author Dr. Stephanie Cahill emphasizes that suspension is not solely about individual student behavior but is influenced by a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors, peer relationships, school experiences, and additional educational needs.
The study underscores the importance of early intervention, preventive support, and understanding individual pathways to suspension rather than implementing a one-size-fits-all approach.
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