Record 130 pupils a day suspended over drink, drug and smoking offences

A record average of 130 pupils per day were suspended from UK schools in the year ending July 2024 for drink, drug or smoking offences, according to newly released Department for Education figures. In that period, 24,554 suspensions were recorded and 742 expulsions occurred. Some students disciplined for these offences were as young as six.

Offences include attending lessons under the influence of alcohol or drugs, dealing drugs, abusing prescription medications or being repeatedly caught smoking. The 190‑day school year means the daily average was 130 suspensions and about four expulsions each day, an 8% rise over the 24 months to July 2022. The Covid-19 disruption had depressed the 2021 figure, but the 2024 data show a sharp post‑pandemic rise.

Of 150 local education authorities providing data, Essex recorded the highest totals, with 889 suspensions and 27 expulsions. Hampshire had 812 suspensions (four expulsions), Kent 654 (11), Surrey 594 (13) and Hertfordshire 580 (5). Midlands hotspot Staffordshire had 487 suspensions and 20 expulsions; the North saw Lancashire with 468 suspensions and 38 expulsions and North Yorkshire with 464 suspensions and 11 expulsions. In the West, Somerset reported 460 suspensions and eight expulsions, with Devon on 447 suspensions and seven expulsions. In London, Croydon led with 241 suspensions and three expulsions, followed by Barnet with 179 suspensions and two expulsions.

The figures were released by the Department for Education. Christopher McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said the data reflect a growing breakdown of order and discipline in many schools. 'This shocking data reflects the growing breakdown of order and discipline in many schools. Alarmingly, it is only the tip of the iceberg. Most cases of drug, smoking and alcohol offences go undetected or unreported by schools. It is a growing crisis that damages the well-being of all children. The teaching profession is ill-equipped to cope with collapsing standards of behaviour as problems on the street spill over into the classroom.'

A Department for Education spokesman said: “Drugs and alcohol have absolutely no place in our schools and we will always support our hard-working teachers to provide safe and calm classrooms.” They added that the department is delivering a comprehensive programme “with new attendance and behaviour hubs, which will directly target the schools with the highest need”.