School Suspensions and Exclusions

The School Suspensions and Permanent Exclusions guidance details the legal responsibilities for those who suspend (fixed period exclusion) and permanently exclude pupils from educational settings, including:

• headteachers
• local authorities
• governing bodies
• academy trusts
• independent review panel members
• independent review panel clerks
• special educational needs experts

It governs the exclusion of pupils from:

• local-authority-maintained schools
• academies and free schools
• pupil referral units

Statutory guidance sets out what schools and local authorities must do to comply with the law.

A guide for parents on school behaviour and exclusion is also available.