School Exclusions

Schools must follow a fair and transparent process under the Education Act 1996, ensuring that parents and students are informed of the reasons for exclusion and have the right to appeal. Key rights include:

• The right to be informed: The school must notify parents in writing of the exclusion, the reasons for it, and the duration
• The right to make representations: Parents can submit written representations to the school’s governing body challenging the decision
• The right to appeal: In cases of permanent exclusion, parents can request an Independent Review Panel to assess whether the decision was lawful and proportionate
• The right to education: Excluded pupils must continue to receive full-time education; the local authority has a duty to arrange this from the sixth day of any exclusion
• The right to legal representation: Parents are entitled to seek legal advice and be supported throughout the exclusion and appeals process