Somerset Council has revealed a sharp rise in safeguarding concerns raised by schools, with nearly 900 referrals recorded across the county last year.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show school-made referrals have almost doubled in five years. In 2020, schools logged 471 concerns about pupils. By 2024, that had climbed to 891.

The data illustrates a growing number of worries coming from classrooms, corridors and playgrounds, placing increasing demands on local safeguarding teams.

Breakdowns by gender show concerns are split almost evenly. Last year, schools made 440 referrals for girls and 448 for boys, with a small number recorded as "other".

The long-term trend shows year-on-year growth:

• 2020: 471 referrals (244 female, 226 male, 1 other)
• 2021: 502 referrals (235 female, 261 male, 6 other)
• 2022: 780 referrals (376 female, 398 male, 6 other)
• 2023: 756 referrals (375 female, 374 male, 7 other)
• 2024: 891 referrals (440 female, 448 male, 3 other)

Despite the rising number of alerts, Somerset's school population has stayed largely stable at around 69,000 pupils in mainstream education, dipping slightly to 68,000 in 2024. The figures do not include independent schools or further education colleges.

The FOI response was released as part of national research being carried out by the End Violence Against Women coalition into safeguarding concerns raised in UK schools.

A Somerset Council spokesperson said: "We all have a role to play in protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults. Somerset Council is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults who we come into contact with through the services we provide."

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A spokesperson for the NSPCC added: "Teachers play a vital role in keeping children and young people safe. They are often the trusted adults pupils turn to when something worrying or upsetting has happened, and they are in a prime position to spot when something isn't right. Since the pandemic, many children have been at increased risk of abuse or neglect, and schools have been instrumental in raising concerns so children can get the support they need."