Record Number of Young Children Suspended for Sexual Misconduct in England
Department for Education figures reveal a 12% rise in suspensions for sexual misconduct, with some children as young as five suspended.
Children as young as five are among a record number of pupils being suspended from schools in England for sexual misconduct, according to data from the Department for Education. In the 2024/25 school year, there were 7,278 suspensions for sexual misconduct, the highest total since recording began in 2020.
Of these, 20 children aged five or under, including 19 in reception year, received suspensions for sexual misconduct. Primary schools accounted for 759 suspensions in this category. The data includes instances of sexual assault, abuse, harassment, and lewd behavior directed at classmates or staff.
The number of suspensions for sexual misconduct increased by 12% from the previous year's total of 6,479. This rise occurred despite a decrease in the total number of suspensions for all other reasons.
Ofsted has previously noted the normalization of sexual harassment among schoolchildren. Education leaders have expressed concerns that online misogynistic influencers, such as Andrew Tate, may be contributing to the way boys treat girls in the classroom. In response to concerns about online misogyny influencing students, ministers had previously backed the screening of the Netflix drama 'Adolescence' in secondary schools.
Pupils aged 13 and 14 were the most frequent offenders, with 1,564 suspensions recorded between them. In the most severe cases, 143 pupils were permanently excluded from school last year. Schools can assign up to three reasons for each suspension.
Christopher McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, described the figures as the "tip of the iceberg" of misogyny in schools and suggested that most cases go unreported. He advocated for an expansion of single-sex schooling options, stating that schools are no longer safe places for girls and female teachers.
Soma Sara, chief executive of the Everyone's Invited charity, expressed hope that schools are now more aware of sexual harassment and abuse among young people and are better equipped to identify and intervene. She noted that for a long time, the harm experienced by children was not always recognized or understood by adults.
A government spokesperson stated that as part of a strategy to halve violence against women and girls, the government has pledged to educate all young people about healthy relationships and consent from an early age. The spokesperson also mentioned that the government has compelled tech companies to address harmful content and protect young people online through the Online Safety Act.