The 2025 data shows that fewer than 6 per cent of students in NSW public schools received a suspension, that the average length of a suspension fell from 4.2 days in 2024 to 4.0 days in 2025 and that 159 students were expelled – a rate of 0.02 per cent, or one in 5000 students.

“Suspension is a serious consequence, and students and families understand it that way,” SPC President Ann Caro said.

“Behaviour that threatens the safety of others has consequences. That is not a failure of the system; it is the system working. It is also how we put support around a young person before things escalate further.”

Serious behaviours of concern including sexual assaults, supplying drugs and carrying weapons were among the reasons for student suspensions across NSW in 2025.

A sharp increase in cases of technology misuse and bullying were major contributors to the year-on-year rise in student suspensions last year, along with stubbornly high rates of physical violence, according to newly released NSW Department of Education data.

Caro said Deputy Premier Prue Car was right to make, in her words, “no apologies for giving schools the authority to suspend students.”

“Secondary principals asked for the authority to act decisively and this Government listened.

“The data shows principals are using that authority exactly as intended and are acting where safety is at stake.

“Our principals will not ask students or staff to share a classroom with violence, and no parent would expect them to.”

Car told Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph that with a new behaviour policy, a new student code of conduct, more teachers, and fewer merged classes, the Minns Government has set higher expectations for behaviour in every public school.

“We anticipated suspensions would likely increase as principals can now issue shorter, more frequent suspensions to restore order. Students who are learning should not have their education disrupted by those who don’t want to. It’s that simple.”

Car said the research is clear, students learn best in calm, disciplined classrooms.

“Education is a right, but it comes with the responsibility to behave.”

Caro said the annual publication of this data which includes data by region, by ground for suspension, and for specific student groups, reflected a standard of transparency unmatched in Australian education.

“NSW public schools publish this information every single year and open it to full public scrutiny.

“No other school sector in this state reports its suspension and expulsion practices this way.

“Families simply cannot see equivalent data for non-government schools and unlike other sectors, public schools do not choose their students.

Caro said the public system educates every child and young person who walks through their gates regardless of postcode, ability, background or behaviour.

“We are proud of that, and we are proud to be judged on the evidence,” she said.

Caro said the data also pointed to where support must be directed, with suspension rates highest in rural and regional NSW and among students facing the greatest challenges.

“Transparency is not just about being seen, it is about seeing clearly where the need is.

“This data tells government exactly where additional specialist support and behaviour resources must go and we will keep advocating for that investment.”