Hillingdon Cuts Permanent School Exclusions by 23% in 2024/25
Northwood School records no permanent exclusions for three years as borough-wide suspensions also fall
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Hillingdon has reduced permanent school exclusions by nearly a quarter in the past year, reaching the lowest level ever recorded in the borough. The figures, published by Hillingdon Council, show 33 pupils were permanently excluded in 2024/25, down from the previous year.
The decline contrasts with a national rise in exclusions. Hillingdon’s total suspensions also fell to 1,977 across more than 56,000 pupils. The council did not provide a percentage change for suspensions, but the raw numbers indicate a downward trend.
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A School Without Exclusions
Northwood School has not permanently excluded a single pupil in the past three years. Head teacher Mehul Shah attributed the record to a focus on pupil wellbeing and early intervention. The school uses a programme called therapeutic thinking to manage defiance without escalation.
We prioritise happiness as being essential if we're going to have successful children... It's about having really high standards right from the start when the children join the school so that they never veer into anything more wrong.
Mehul Shah, Head Teacher, Northwood School
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Staff at Northwood avoid shouting at pupils who refuse to cooperate. Instead, they use de-escalation techniques, allowing students to step away from stressful situations. The school has also introduced a quiet space for pupils with special educational needs, reducing triggers for disruptive behaviour.
Why Exclusions Still Happen
Disruptive behaviour has become the leading cause of permanent exclusions in Hillingdon, overtaking physical assault and substance use. Shah said exclusions are sometimes necessary to protect the wider school community.
The main thing for me as a head teacher to think about is, by excluding the pupil will the rest of the school community be able to work in a less hindered fashion, and a more safe fashion?
Mehul Shah, Head Teacher, Northwood School
The council’s figures show that while exclusions have fallen, they have not been eliminated. Shah said the decision to exclude is always weighed against the safety and wellbeing of other pupils and staff.
What Happens Next
Hillingdon Council has not announced any new policies following the reduction in exclusions. The council’s approach, alongside schools like Northwood, will continue to be monitored. Parents and residents can review the full exclusion data on the council’s website.
Questions this report answers
+How many permanent exclusions were there in Hillingdon in 2024/25?
Hillingdon Council recorded 33 permanent exclusions in 2024/25. This is a 23% reduction from the previous year and the lowest number ever recorded in the borough.
+Which school in Hillingdon has not excluded any pupils in three years?
Northwood School has not permanently excluded any pupils in the past three years. The head teacher, Mehul Shah, credits therapeutic approaches and early intervention for the record.
+What is the main reason for permanent exclusions in Hillingdon now?
Disruptive behaviour is now the leading cause of permanent exclusions in Hillingdon. It has replaced physical assault and substance use as the primary reason for the first time in three years.
+How can residents see the full exclusion data for Hillingdon?
Residents can review the full exclusion data on Hillingdon Council’s website. The council publishes annual figures on permanent exclusions and suspensions across the borough’s schools.
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