Dozens of secondary pupils suspended for extended periods last academic year

Nearly 60 secondary school students were suspended for 10 days or longer

More than 50 pupils in the Isle of Man’s state secondary schools were suspended for periods of 10 days or more during the last academic year, according to figures released by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC).

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse asked Minister Daphne Caine how many students across the Island’s state schools had received suspensions lasting between 10-19 days, and 20 days or more.

In response, Mrs Caine says the figures relate to between September 2024 and July 2025.

She confirmed that no primary school pupils were suspended during that period.

In secondary schools, 52 students were suspended for between 10-19 days, while a further six students were suspended for 20 days or more.

Mrs Caine told the Chamber that where concerns exist, DESC provides support to schools through its ‘education advice and support division’, including access to psychology services.

She says schools can seek additional assistance when dealing with a young person at risk of suspension, including the creation of a risk assessment and individualised programme tailored to the child’s needs.

Asked whether there were concerns about consistency in how suspension policies are being applied across schools, the minister says individual schools operate their own behaviour policies, in line with departmental guidelines, but that she does not hold detailed information for each school.

Mrs Caine stressed that suspension is seen as a last resort, and is often used reluctantly in situations where the safety of other pupils is at risk or where behaviour is considered extreme.

She adds that schools are aware of the challenges facing young people, and believes it is “rare” for a student to be suspended without already being known to staff as information-sharing arrangements are in place with external support services to help schools understand circumstances affecting the child.

The education, sport and culture minister’s response did not include a breakdown of the total number of school days lost as a result of suspensions: