A Study of Pupils at Risk of Exclusion and their Attitudes to School

This research study aims to explore the attitudes of pupils at risk of exclusion from school in terms of barriers they perceive to increase their risk of exclusion and positive enablers they suggest which could reduce their risk of exclusion. It is a qualitative study and semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 30 young people at risk of exclusion in one secondary school used as a case study. Six thematic findings emerged from the data: pupil‐teacher relationships, discipline, curriculum, physical surroundings, organisational structure and social relationships. Pupils discussed these themes in terms of perceived barriers to engagement at school as well as suggesting potential enablers which could improve their experience. Significant suggestions were the need for holistic and pastoral care from school staff, smaller class sizes and more interactive and kinaesthetic lessons. The study outlines and analyses, in detail, barriers which emerged from the findings and then uses these alongside potential enablers suggested by the pupils to make recommendations for future practice.