Welsh local authorities urged to review schools with exclusion rates that overrepresent minority ethnic groups

Welsh Government data for the academic year 2021/22 shows the highest recorded rate of school exclusions since 2013, across all types of exclusion.

According to a research report carried out by the Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team (EYST) Wales, minority ethnic pupils are “consistently overrepresented” in certain types of school exclusions.

The support team warned that minority ethnic families can have a lack of networks to challenge unjust and unfair decisions, and they can experience “a lack of equality in how disputes are handled”.

According to the report, Welsh Government data shows that pupils with a Black ethnic background have the highest rate of permanent exclusions. ‘Physical assault against a pupil’ was the most common reason for permanent exclusions, at 22.7% of those exclusions.

Pupils with a Roma ethnic background have the highest rate of fixed term exclusions (5 days or less). ‘Persistent disruptive behaviour’ was the most common reason given for fixed-term exclusions of 5 days or less at 25% of those exclusions.

Pupils with a White ethnic background have the highest rate of fixed term exclusions (over 5 days). ‘Physical assault against a pupil’ was the most common reason for fixed term exclusions of over 5 days, at 25.4% of those exclusions

The report noted: “The fact that pupils with a Roma ethnic background and pupils with a Black ethnic background have the highest rate of fixed term (5 days or less) and permanent exclusions, respectively, shows that some ethnic groups are being disproportionately represented in school exclusions, particularly as minority ethnic students represent 15% of the school population.”

Based upon insights from its clients and case workers, EYST Wales made the following recommendations for local authorities:

• Review schools that have patterns of high exclusion rates and exclusion rates that overrepresent certain groups, such as minority ethnic pupils.
• Publish yearly data of Independent Appeals Panel outcomes, including the rate of upheld and overturned decisions.

For schools, EYST recommended for exclusions guidance to be reviewed, and put out to formal consultation, “to ensure that exclusions are used in a way that doesn’t disproportionately impact specific groups”. Further, it recommended “improved mechanisms” to report race-based bullying in schools.

Looking at alternatives to school exclusion, the report recommended the Welsh Government consult young people, parents, and community members on alternatives to school exclusions, and for schools to share good practice around alternatives to school exclusions with regional consortia.

In the foreword to the report, Michael Imperato, Director and Head of Human Rights and Public Law at law firm Watkins & Gunn said: “We all know that many schools and local authorities do terrific work in challenging times, but unfortunately a number do not. They need to be challenged, held to account and reformed.

“Nothing can be more devastating to a child’s education and life chances than a school exclusion. It should be the last of last resorts. However, the data and figures in this report show that the use of exclusions in Wales is an increasing one. This report demonstrates how the problem is even more acute for ethnic minorities, and how they face even greater barriers. This must not go unchallenged.”

The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson