Story perspectives

55k Racist Abuse Suspensions Prompt Anti-Bullying Strategy Push

5/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department for Education reported more than 55,000 suspensions for racist abuse in English schools between 2020-21 and 2024-25.
The data also record over 13,000 suspensions for homophobic or transphobic abuse and about 1,600 for disablist abuse.
Education officials called the figures shocking and said a national anti-bullying strategy is under consideration.
A mother who lost her autistic son to suicide called the data horrifying but not surprising.

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Story summary

The Department for Education reported more than 55,000 suspensions for racist abuse in English schools between 2020-21 and 2024-25.
The data also record over 13,000 suspensions for homophobic or transphobic abuse and about 1,600 for disablist abuse.
Education officials called the figures shocking and said a national anti-bullying strategy is under consideration.
A mother who lost her autistic son to suicide called the data horrifying but not surprising.