School Exclusion
Your rights and next steps when your child is excluded or at risk of exclusion
If your child has been excluded from school
School exclusion is one of the most serious actions a school can take. Whether the exclusion is fixed-term or permanent, you have legal rights that the school must respect. Acting quickly and correctly within the statutory timelines is essential.
Step 1: Get everything in writing
The school must notify you in writing of any exclusion. The letter must state the reason for the exclusion, the length (or that it is permanent), your right to attend a Governors' meeting, the deadline for making representations, and information about the Independent Review Panel.
If you have not received a written notice, request one in writing immediately. Do not accept or sign anything until you have read it.
Step 2: Know your timelines
- Fixed-term exclusion of more than 5 school days: you have the right to make representations to the Governing Body
- Permanent exclusion: you must request a Governors' review within 15 school days of the exclusion letter
- If the Governors' review does not reinstate your child, you can apply for an Independent Review Panel
The 15-day window for permanent exclusion is strict. If you miss it, you lose the right to a Governors' hearing.
Step 3: Challenge in writing
A written challenge puts the school on record and protects you if this escalates. Parents who submit formal challenges get better outcomes than those who rely on verbal communication alone.
Use the Exclusion Rights Guide to understand what to say, what to ask, and what to refuse. Then use the Exclusion Challenge Letter to submit a formal written challenge.
Your tools for this situation
- Exclusion Rights Guide — What to say, what to ask, what to refuse
- Exclusion Challenge Letter — Fill in your details and send it today
Need help applying this?
A strategy session with Anne-Rose can help you understand exactly where you stand, what your options are, and what to prioritise in the next 24–48 hours.