English Schools Record Over 55,000 Racist Abuse Suspensions Since 2020
English schools have recorded over 55,000 suspensions linked to racist abuse between the 2020-21 and 2024-25 academic years, according to Department for Education (DfE) figures. This period also saw more than 13,000 suspensions for homophobic or transphobic abuse and approximately 1,600 for disablist abuse, indicating a significant surge in prejudicial behaviour.
The DfE data, which allows for up to three reasons per suspension, shows a 68% rise in mentions of prejudicial abuse in under four years. While these figures represent recorded instances rather than individual incidents, they highlight a concerning trend in school environments.
Societal Issues and Funding Cuts Cited
Education specialists and charities contend that the increase is a symptom of wider societal problems, coupled with significant reductions in funding for anti-bullying initiatives and outreach services. Kirsten Coutts, whose autistic son Sam tragically took his own life, stated the data was “horrifying but not surprising,” believing disablist abuse he suffered previously contributed to his state of mind.
Pepe Di’lasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), described the situation as reflecting “huge societal issues which cannot be solved solely in the classroom,” noting an “increasingly abrasive era.” The NASUWT teaching union has also received “frequent reports” of prejudicial abuse affecting both staff and pupils, with General Secretary Matt Wrack emphasising that societal issues inevitably manifest within schools.
Martha Boateng, director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), pointed to government funding cuts as a key factor, stating these have led to a “real reduction in schools’ ability to undertake anti-bullying training.” Organisations like Show Racism the Red Card (SRTRC) have also experienced substantial cuts in central government grants and local authority contracts since 2019, limiting their reach in delivering anti-racism workshops.
Calls for Comprehensive Strategy and Support
Despite recommendations from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), it remains non-mandatory for schools in England to record bullying incidents, contributing to a lack of robust data. The DfE has acknowledged the figures as “shocking” and stated that it is providing expert support to schools facing the most significant behavioural challenges.
However, campaigners and educators are calling for a more comprehensive national anti-bullying strategy, increased support for teachers, and greater parental involvement. Gypsy leader Billy Welch highlighted the positive impact of his school visits in tackling racism in Darlington, advocating for government support for such outreach work. The ongoing challenges underscore the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the rising tide of discriminatory behaviour in educational settings.
