Exclusion Rights Guide
What to say, what to ask, what to refuse
Your rights when your child is excluded
If your child has been excluded from school — whether for a fixed term or permanently — you have legal rights that the school must respect. This guide explains what those rights are and how to use them.
Written notice is required
The school must notify you in writing of any exclusion. The letter must include:
- The reason for the exclusion
- The length of the exclusion (or that it is permanent)
- Your right to attend a meeting of the governors
- The deadline for making representations to governors
- Information about the Independent Review Panel
If you have not received a written notice, request one immediately before you do anything else.
You must be given at least 24 hours notice
The school must give you reasonable notice before any exclusion-related meeting. You are entitled to bring someone with you — a family member, friend, or advocate. Do not attend a meeting alone if you can help it.
Fixed-term exclusion: your rights
If your child is excluded for more than 5 school days in a term, you have the right to make representations to the school governors. The school must convene a meeting of the governors' discipline committee. You can attend, speak, and submit written evidence.
Permanent exclusion: your rights
A permanent exclusion triggers additional rights:
- You must be offered a meeting with the governors within 15 school days of your notification
- If governors uphold the exclusion, you can apply for an Independent Review Panel
- You have 15 school days from the governors' decision to apply for the review
- The review panel can uphold, recommend, or quash the governors' decision
Do not miss the 15-day deadline. It is strictly enforced.
What to say in the meeting
Go in prepared. These questions put the school on the record:
- "Can you walk me through exactly what happened, step by step?"
- "What evidence are you relying on for this decision?"
- "Were any other students involved? Were they treated the same way?"
- "Has my child been given the opportunity to explain what happened?"
- "What is the school's duty to reintegrate my child?"
- "I will need a copy of all documentation relating to this exclusion."
What to refuse
- Do not agree to a "managed move" without understanding exactly what it means and what your rights are
- Do not agree verbally to anything — ask for everything in writing
- Do not sign anything at the meeting without reading it carefully first
- Do not withdraw your child voluntarily in lieu of exclusion — this removes your appeal rights
Next step
If a permanent exclusion has been issued, use the Exclusion Challenge Letter template to request a Governors' review within the 15-day window.