4.02 vs 3.72: Suspensions Track The Calendar, Not Darkness

Every November, the staffroom says the same thing: it's the dark months, that's why behaviour's worse. DfE's own termly data says the autumn suspension rate really is higher than spring — 4.02 per 100 pupils vs 3.72. But DfE's own explanation isn't darkness. It's day count: autumn is simply the longest term of the year. We separate the real (but modest) gap from the mystical story built on top of it — and cover what's actually changed in the statutory suspension and exclusion guidance, in force from July this year.

What's covered:

• The Number: 4.02 vs 3.72 suspensions per 100 pupils, autumn vs spring 2024/25 (DfE)
• - DfE's own structural explanation: term length, not season
• - The difference between advice ("should") and statutory guidance ("must")
• - What changed in the suspension/exclusion guidance in force from 26 July 2026
• - Practical takeaways for primary, secondary and specialist settings

Sources:

• DfE, Behaviour in schools: advice for headteachers and school staff (19 Feb 2024)
• - DfE, Suspension and permanent exclusion statutory guidance, in force 26 July 2026
• - DfE / Explore Education Statistics, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England, spring term 2024/25 release

A printable one-pager for this episode is available at theeducationcommute.co.uk.

Strand: Leaders