Somerset schools see 57,000 suspensions in four years

By Laura Linham 27th May 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 27th May 2026

More than 57,000 suspensions were handed out in Somerset schools over four years, new government figures show.

Department for Education data covering 2020/21 to the autumn term of 2024/25 recorded 57,319 suspensions and 602 permanent exclusions across Somerset schools.

The combined figure of 57,921 does not mean the same number of children were excluded from school. Some pupils may have been suspended more than once, while suspensions can also cover shorter fixed periods away from lessons.

The figures also show 861 suspensions and exclusions involved abuse linked to race, disability, sexuality or gender identity.

Racism was the biggest category recorded in Somerset, accounting for 662 cases.

There were also 21 incidents linked to disability-related abuse and 178 linked to sexuality or gender identity.

Most cases were recorded in Somerset secondary schools.

The data shows 751 incidents — around 87 per cent — happened in secondary settings. Primary schools accounted for 90 cases, while 20 were recorded in special schools.

Campaigners said the figures reflected growing concerns about bullying and discriminatory language in schools across England.

Martha Boateng, director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: "As the discourse gets more difficult and more aggressive and more targeted at people's identity and who they are, we can't expect that not to be also then happening to young people."

The charity is calling for schools to record bullying levels, introduce mandatory anti-bullying training for teachers and appoint dedicated bullying leads.

Laura Mackay, former headteacher and chief executive of LGBT+ anti-bullying charity Just Like Us, said: "The figures are shocking and really show there's a huge problem in schools for young people who are deemed to be different."

A Department for Education spokesperson said: "These figures are shocking. Racism and discrimination have absolutely no place in our schools."

The spokesperson added that schools are expected to consider early intervention measures before exclusions are issued, particularly where pupils have SEND or unmet needs.