Permanent exclusion from school

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1. Permanent exclusion

What does permanent exclusion mean?

Permanent exclusion means a child cannot go to the same school anymore. Only the Headteacher, Principal, or Acting Headteacher can decide this. If your child is permanently excluded, you can read our helpful guide:

When can a child be permanently excluded?

A child can be excluded permanently:

  • if they seriously break the school’s behaviour rules, or they keep breaking the rules again and again.
  • if keeping them in school would be unsafe or would harm the learning or safety of others at school.

How does permanent exclusion work?

The school will tell you as soon as possible if your child is permanently excluded. They will also send you a letter saying why. If your child has a social worker, they will be told too.

Sometimes the school might send your child home for a short time (this is called a suspension) while they check what happened. Then, if needed, they can decide on a permanent exclusion. The school might try something else instead of exclusion. If this does not work or can’t be done, they might still choose to exclude your child.

Can you disagree with the school’s decision?

If you do not agree with the decision, you can challenge it. The school’s letter will tell you how to challenge the decision.

What happens to your child’s learning?

For the first five days, the school should send work home for your child to do and mark it. After that, the local council will find a new place for your child to learn from the sixth day. This is called “alternative provision” and is often at a special school called a pupil referral unit.

Where can you get help?


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