Record suspensions reported at Liverpool school

Alsop High School in Liverpool faces scrutiny after nearly 2,000 suspensions within a year.

Record suspensions at Liverpool school highlight behavioral issues

Alsop High School in Walton, Liverpool, reported a staggering total of 1,874 suspensions during the 2023/24 academic year, the highest in Merseyside. This figure translates to nearly 10 suspensions per day across the standard school year. The school attributes its high suspension rate to ongoing efforts to improve after receiving an inadequate rating from Ofsted in 2018. Under the Omega Multi-Academy Trust, Alsop has implemented a new Positive Behaviour policy aimed at managing and improving student behavior while noting that suspensions are used judiciously as a short-term measure. Despite the suspensions, school officials claim behavior is improving and students report feeling safer and happier.

The high suspension rate at Alsop High School emphasizes the balance schools must maintain between discipline and support. While it is crucial for institutions to uphold behavioral standards, the initial spike in suspensions could be seen as a reactive measure to deeper systemic issues. The school's transition under the Academy Order and efforts to raise behavior standards is a response to previous failings, but continuous monitoring and support for students remain essential to ensure that the environment is truly conducive to learning and growth. Observations about improved student sentiment suggest that the changes might be on the right track, but sustained progress is necessary to confirm that behavioral issues are being effectively resolved.

Highlights

As the school adapts its policies, the focus now shifts to long-term solutions for behavior improvement.