Falling Numbers of Permanent Exclusions and Bullying Incidents Reported in Rhondda Cynon Taf Schools, Council Report Shows

The numbers of permanent exclusions and incidents of bullying in Rhondda Cynon Taf schools are falling, figures show.
A report for the council’s education and inclusion committee on Tuesday, September 15, says permanent exclusions have more than halved over the last three years while fixed-term exclusions (suspensions) have remained relatively stable.
It also says there has been a “substantial” reduction in incidents of bullying in special and pupil referral unit (PRU) settings and a significant reduction in primary schools.
During 2025-26 schools recorded 3,013 exclusions which was a small increase from 2,930 in 2024-25 but below the 3,292 exclusions recorded in 2023-24.
Permanent exclusions have fallen from 57 in 2023-24 to 34 in 2024-25 and 27 in 2025-26.
Days lost to exclusion have also reduced from 6,143 days in 2023-24 to 4,868
days in 2025-26.
Persistent disruptive behaviour continues to be the most common reason for
exclusion, accounting for more than 1,000 incidents (1,044).
Verbal abuse or threatening behaviour towards adults (746) and physical assaults against pupils (376) are also significant contributors, the report says.
The data indicates exclusions are concentrated within secondary-aged
pupils with secondary schools accounting for approximately 85% of all
exclusions.
Male pupils are also disproportionately represented in exclusion data, the report adds.
When it comes to incidents of bullying a total of 305 bullying incidents were reported across primary, secondary, all-through, and special/PRU settings during the autumn and spring terms of 2025-26 which is a decrease of 119 or 28% from the 424 in 2024-25.
Secondary schools accounted for the largest proportion of reported incidents although bullying was recorded across all sectors, the report says.
It says there has been a substantial reduction in reported incidents within
special/PRU settings from 173 in 2024-25 to 65 in 2025-26 representing a 62% decrease in reported incidences.
There has also been a significant reduction in incidents in primary schools of 37% while the reduction in secondary schools remains broadly stable with a decrease of 5%.
Verbal bullying remains the most commonly reported form of bullying and race-related incidents continue to represent the largest category of prejudice-related bullying.
The majority of incidents continue to occur within school environments,
providing opportunities for effective intervention and support, the report says.
It adds that, when considering this data alongside the reduction in permanent exclusions, it suggests that schools are continuing to strengthen preventative approaches, identify concerns earlier, and maintain a focus on inclusion and pupil wellbeing.
It states: “Exclusion data indicates that while schools continue to report increasing complexity of need the reduction in exclusion rates suggests that schools are becoming increasingly successful in maintaining some of the most vulnerable learners within mainstream education through early intervention, targeted support, and inclusive practice.”
The report adds: “The work of the exclusion prevention and inclusion team continues to make a significant contribution to the council’s commitment to inclusive education.
“Through close monitoring of exclusion data, direct support to schools, and the promotion of alternative interventions the team has helped prevent a
substantial number of permanent exclusions and supported schools to identify more inclusive solutions for pupils presenting with complex behavioural needs.
“The continued reduction in permanent exclusions over recent years demonstrates the positive impact of this preventative approach.
“Exclusion data presents a mixed but broadly positive picture.
“Whilst fixed-term exclusions have increased slightly compared with the previous academic year permanent exclusions and days lost to exclusion have continued to reduce.
“This suggests that schools are increasingly successful in maintaining learners
within education whilst responding proportionately to inappropriate behaviour.
“The data highlights that the greatest challenges continue to be concentrated
within secondary settings and amongst vulnerable groups including pupils with additional learning needs and those experiencing disadvantage.
“Persistent disruptive behaviour remains the predominant reason for all exclusions indicating that continued investment in preventative, relational, and early intervention approaches remains appropriate.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

By BBC LDRS ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​