Isle of Wight’s Secondary School Suspension Rate Branded “Horrendous”

Serious concern has been raised over the Isle of Wight’s suspension rate in mainstream secondary schools – with more than a quarter of pupils excluded at least once.

Figures discussed at County Hall last night (Thursday) revealed that 26.9 per cent of Island secondary students received suspensions during the 2023/24 academic year.

Green councillor Joe Lever questioned the children’s services, education and skills committee (CSESC), saying:

“What’s going on there, what’s not working?”

Committee chair, Conservative councillor Paul Brading, admitted the number “stands out like a sore thumb,” describing the rate as “horrendous.”

By contrast, suspension rates in primary schools were far lower – 3.27 per 100 pupils.

Cowes West and Gurnard councillor Paul Fuller voiced fears that suspensions might sometimes be used as the “easy option,” adding that he wanted reassurance they were only ever a last resort.

Council officer Kay Jones, standing in for the director of children’s services, promised a written response before the start of the new school term, stressing that attendance remained a key priority.

The meeting also heard that 75.68 per cent of Island primaries are currently rated good or better by Ofsted, compared with just 50 per cent of secondaries.