The number of primary school children expelled for physically attacking a teacher or staff member has doubled in just three years, according to new analysis of Government data. In the spring term of 2025, 281 primary pupils were permanently excluded due to physical assault against adults, a record high for any spring term, up from 138 in 2022.
Record High Exclusions
Overall, there were 558 permanent exclusions of primary-aged children last spring, also a record high, representing a 35 per cent rise since 2019. The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) think tank, which conducted the analysis, highlighted a worsening behaviour crisis in primary schools.
Causes of the Crisis
The CSJ attributed the increase to factors including poor school readiness, excessive screen time, and deteriorating parental engagement. Daniel Lilley, head of youth at the CSJ, stated: 'School exclusion rates in our primary schools are on an alarmingly upward trajectory, driven by a behaviour crisis that is depriving children of a safe, orderly learning environment.'
Impact on All Ages
The data shows that the number of pupils of all ages permanently excluded for physically assaulting an adult in school rose from 339 in spring 2022 to 549 in spring 2025, a 62 per cent increase. Primary-aged pupils accounted for the majority of cases in 2025, followed by 245 secondary-aged and 23 in special schools. In contrast, in 2022, the bulk of cases (189) were secondary-aged.
Physical assault towards adults was the reason for 28 per cent of all primary school permanent exclusions. Additionally, 14 per cent were for physical assault towards children, and 13 per cent for verbal abuse of adults.
Suspensions Also Rising
The CSJ analysis also examined suspensions, finding that primary school suspensions involving physical assault against an adult or pupil reached a spring record of over 24,000, a 73 per cent increase since spring 2022. One anonymous headteacher told the CSJ: 'I'm increasingly hearing about serious violence in primary schools – sometimes involving children as young as five.'
A primary school deputy head added: 'Some days are quite difficult with children getting so angry and frustrated that they hurt adults and children and damage equipment. It has felt worse over the last few years and I think since lockdown parents are struggling more too.'
Calls for Action
The CSJ called for an urgent review of behaviour in schools and support for parents around attendance and engagement. A Department for Education spokesman said: 'This data shows the scale of the challenge we inherited, but teachers are already reporting significant improvements. From our free breakfast clubs to get children settled, to improved teacher training, to clearer guidance on the use of suspensions, we are taking steps to tackle poor behaviour.'
