Girls in England face rising school exclusions, feel misjudged

The number of girls permanently excluded from schools in England is increasing faster than that of boys. In the autumn term of 2023-24, over 1,000 more students were excluded compared to the previous year. This rise follows a trend that started after the pandemic and shows no signs of slowing down. Many girls face "hidden" exclusions, where they stop attending school without being formally removed. Schools are often seen as places where girls should do well, but their struggles can be overlooked. Stereotypes paint girls as diligent and boys as disruptive, which affects how educators respond to girls' behavior. Research involving interviews with 12 girls aged 12 to 16 highlighted that these students feel unheard by their teachers. They expressed a desire for teachers to listen to them, but many felt that their voices were dismissed. This leads to frustration and aggressive responses from the girls, as they feel they must shout to be noticed. A charity, Agenda Alliance, found that a high percentage of girls in youth custody had been excluded from schools. Following exclusion, girls often face serious mental health issues, and their behavior has not improved significantly over the past two decades. Girls reported that they are often subject to stricter rules about their appearance, feeling punished for minor dress code violations. They feel that teachers focus more on their looks than their education. Many girls try to fit in by modifying their uniforms to avoid bullying, creating a difficult balance between wanting to blend in with peers and adhering to school rules. The stress of being watched by teachers can lead to anxiety for girls. Some would rather walk out of class than risk embarrassment. This avoidance often results in further isolation, where they are separated from their peers, creating a cycle of invisibility. With schools adopting stricter, zero-tolerance policies, permanent exclusion has become more common. This approach can overlook the issues behind students' behavior, especially for girls who feel they are not being listened to. Without changes in how schools manage behavior and communication, more girls may feel pushed out of the education system.