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Permanent exclusion

A permanent exclusion is where a pupil is removed permanently from the school due to significant misbehaviour. It should only be used:

  • In response to a serious breach, or persistent breaches, of the school's behaviour policy
  • Where allowing the pupil to remain in school would seriously harm the education or welfare of the pupil or others such as staff or pupils in the school

Permanent exclusion should be a last resort. If a pupil is at risk of permanent exclusion, a school should undertake work with the pupil, parents, any involved professionals and their Education Support Officer. Together they should explore what can be put in place to avoid a permanent exclusion.

Consideration needs to be given as to what additional support or alternative placement may be required for a pupil. This should involve assessing the suitability of provision for a pupil’s special educational needs (SEN). Where a pupil has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), schools should consider requesting an early annual review.

Schools have an obligation under the Equality Act to show what reasonable adjustments and what consideration was given to the pupil’s particular needs before making the decision to permanently exclude.

When a Headteacher or Principal permanently excludes a pupil, they should notify the parents immediately. This will often be by telephone, but will be followed without delay by a letter that explains the following:

  • The reason(s) for the permanent exclusion
  • The requirement for parents to ensure that their child is not present in a public place at any time during school hours without good reason
  • How work will be provided and marked during the permanent exclusion for the first five days
  • That the parent, or pupil if they are 18 years old, have the right to attend a Governors meeting
  • That they also have a right to be represented at that meeting (at their own expense), or to bring a friend to support
  • That the council have a duty to provide a suitable education to any permanently excluded pupil from the sixth day, and contact will be made with you to arrange this

For every permanent exclusion, the school’s Governing Body must convene to discuss whether or not a pupil should be reinstated. This is called a Governors Disciplinary Committee (GDC). The following parties must be invited to a GDC to make representations:

  • Parents (and a representative or friend, if this is requested)
  • The Headteacher or Principal
  • For maintained schools: a representative of the council
  • For academies: parents may ask that a representative of the council attends, but they do not have the automatic right to make representations

A GDC can decide to either uphold the decision to permanently exclude, or direct reinstatement of the pupil. They must notify parents, the Headteacher or Principal, and the Local Authority of its decision in writing, without delay. They should provide details to allow all parties to understand why the decision was made.

Education will be provided for a permanently excluded pupil by the Local Authority from the sixth day of permanent exclusion. This will be delivered via a placement at Compass School.

If your child is permanently excluded from school, one of our Education Support Officers will be in contact to help support you through this process.

Schools should notify us of any permanent exclusions using our contact form.

Support organisations

The following organisations and can provide free and impartial advice to families who are going through a permanent exclusion:

Advisory Centre for Education

The Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) provide information and advice to parents on a wide range of education issues. They can be reached via:

Telephone: 0300 0115 142, Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 1pm during term time.

Website: Advisory Centre for Education

Coram Children's Legal Centre

The Coram Children's Legal Centre is a charity which aims to provide free legal advice and information to parents and carers on education matters. They can be reached via:

Telephone: 0300 330 5485 

Website: Coram Children's Legal Centre

Child Law Advice is also part of the Coram group. Visit their website with information on exclusions.

School Exclusion Project

A useful source of free advice for parents is the School Exclusion Project.