Expelled Pupils More Likely to have Mental Health Issues

Expelled Pupils More Likely to have Mental Health Issues

Around 50% of pupils excluded from school are suffering from a recognised mental health problem

Research by IPPR thinktank also showed that those who are excluded are four times more likely to grow up in poverty and twice as likely to be living in care. 

The IPPR has explained that its research showcases the “broken system” that expelled children face – at least one in two suffer from mental health issues compared to one in 50 pupils in the wider population.  The study says that after exclusion, there is a downward spiral of underachievement, with teachers in schools for expelled children twice as likely to have no educational qualifications. 

An IPPR associate fellow, Kiran Gill, described the system as “burningly unjust”.  She said: “Theresa May says she is committed to improving the mental health of young people. Addressing the most vulnerable children being thrown out of England’s schools is a good place to start. Because unequal treatment of mental health may be an injustice, but the discrimination of school exclusions is a crime.

Gill, who is also the founder of The Difference which works to improve mental health provision for excluded pupils, went on to say: “If the government is serious about real action on mental health, there needs to be dedicated funding and thought through solutions rather than sticking plasters on the symptoms of the problem.”

The Department for Education responded to the report by saying:

“We are strengthening the links between schools and NHS mental health staff and have announced plans for every secondary school to be offered mental health first aid training. Later this year we will publish a green paper with proposals for further improving mental health services.”

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