School suspensions rise due to behaviour, says council

The number of school suspensions in Lincolnshire has more than doubled over the last five years, according to a local authority.

Lincolnshire County Council said the number of temporary exclusions at schools across the county has risen from 7,614 in 2021/22 to 16,803 in 2025/26.

Kate Capel, head of service for inclusion at the council, said: "Persistent disruptive behaviour remains the main reason for both suspensions and permanent exclusion".

The authority said verbal abuse, threats towards teachers and physical assaults on pupils were also common reasons for suspensions.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the number of pupils who have been suspended has also increased from 3,258 in 2021/22 to 4,767 in 2025/26.

At a Lincolnshire County Council schools' forum meeting on Thursday, Capel said pupils were receiving suspensions more frequently and the percentage being issued for persistent disruptive behaviour had increased.

"These elements of data reinforce the importance of identifying underlying needs early and amending, adapting and strengthening support through alternative strategies that address the behaviour but also crucially its underlying causes," she said.

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