What Happens If Your Child Is Excluded From School

When your child faces school exclusion, everything can feel overwhelming. Understanding the process and your rights will help you navigate this difficult situation.

Types of exclusion

Schools can exclude pupils in two ways. Fixed-term exclusion (suspension) means your child cannot attend school for a set number of days, from half a day up to 45 school days in one academic year. Reaching this 45-day limit doesn't automatically trigger permanent exclusion, but any further exclusions would need careful justification by the school.

Permanent exclusion removes your child from the school roll. They cannot return unless you successfully appeal the decision.

Only the headteacher can exclude a pupil. They need evidence that your child has seriously breached the behaviour policy and that keeping them in school would harm others' education or welfare. For permanent exclusion, schools should try other strategies first, unless there's been a serious one-off incident.

What happens when your child is excluded

The headteacher must tell you immediately, usually by phone, then send a letter. This letter should explain why your child was excluded, for how long, and that you can challenge the decision to the governing body.

For the first five days, the school must set and mark work. From day six of a fixed-term exclusion, they must arrange full-time education. For permanent exclusions, the local authority takes over this responsibility from the sixth day of the exclusion.

The school stays responsible for your child's safeguarding during exclusion. Children with special educational needs, Education Health and Care Plans, or in local authority care have additional protections.

Challenging the decision

Write to the school's governing body explaining why you think the exclusion is wrong. You might argue your child didn't do what they're accused of, the punishment is too harsh, or the school hasn't followed proper procedures.

For exclusions of five days or less, governors must consider your views but cannot overturn the decision. They can add their findings to your child's record.

Different rules apply for longer exclusions. If it's more than five but not more than 15 days in a term, governors must meet if you request it. For exclusions over 15 days or any permanent exclusion, they must meet within 15 school days whether you ask or not.

The panel meeting involves three or five governors. You can bring someone with you. The headteacher will explain their decision. While formal, it's not a court. The panel checks if the decision was lawful, reasonable and fair. They'll listen to everyone, then decide whether to uphold the exclusion or direct reinstatement.

You'll get their decision in writing within one school day. If they uphold a permanent exclusion, they must explain your right to request an independent review.

Independent review panels

You have 15 school days to request a free independent review if governors uphold permanent exclusion. The panel includes a chairperson, a school governor, and a current or former headteacher.

Request a Special Educational Needs expert to advise the panel, even if your child doesn't have recognised SEN. They might spot needs the school missed.

The panel can uphold the exclusion, recommend reconsideration, or quash the decision and direct reconsideration. They cannot force reinstatement, but if governors still refuse after being directed to reconsider, the school faces a fine.

Managed moves

Schools sometimes suggest transferring your child to another school instead of excluding them. This should be voluntary, with your agreement and a trial period.

Don't feel pressured to agree. Visit the proposed school and check what support they'll provide. Remember that exclusion has a formal appeals process, while managed moves don't.

Alternative education

After permanent exclusion, the local authority must provide suitable full-time education from day six. This could be at a Pupil Referral Unit, alternative provision school, or through home tuition.

Quality varies widely. Ask about qualifications offered, the timetable, and plans for returning to mainstream education. You can apply to other mainstream schools, though they can refuse pupils excluded twice.

Supporting your child

Exclusion affects confidence and disrupts learning. Keep some routine during exclusion and ensure schoolwork gets done.

Talk about what happened, but focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on fairness. If your child has underlying difficulties like ADHD, autism or mental health issues, seek assessment or support.

Your child might benefit from counselling. Some charities offer free services for young people. Your GP can refer to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services if needed.

Finding help

Coram Children's Legal Centre offers free advice and template letters. Many local authorities have parent partnership services.

For special educational needs issues, contact IPSEA or SOS SEN. The Equality and Human Rights Commission can advise on discrimination concerns.

Keep all letters and documents. Note dates and details of phone calls and meetings. Citizens Advice can help with paperwork if needed.

Most children who experience exclusion do return to education successfully. Stay engaged with the process and ensure your child gets proper support.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Parental Rights Checker lets you check your legal rights as a parent on education, health and welfare decisions. Try it now →