Suspensions and permanent exclusions from school

Role of the governing body when dealing with suspensions and permanent exclusions

Maintained schools

The governing body may delegate its functions to a designated sub-committee consisting of at least three governors.

Academies

The governing body may delegate to a sub-committee if the trust’s articles of association allow them to do so. The governing body must consider the reinstatement of a pupil within 15 school days of receiving notice of:

  • a permanent exclusion 
  • a suspension which brings the total number of suspended school days to more than 15 in a term

The governing body may also be required to consider a suspension for less than 15 days, but this is dependent on whether a parent requests it. 

When considering a suspension or permanent exclusion decision, the governing body must:

  • consider the interests and circumstances of the pupil and the circumstances of the suspension/exclusion itself.
  • have regard to the interests of other pupils and people working at the school.
  • consider any representations from the parent and the head teacher. 
  • apply the civil standard of proof, i.e. ‘on the balance of probabilities’ it is more likely than not that a fact is true rather than the criminal standard of ‘beyond reasonable doubt’

Decisions of the governing body

The governing body can decline to reinstate a pupil, i.e., uphold a suspension or permanent exclusion, or Direct reinstatement*, ie overturn the suspension or permanent exclusion of the pupil immediately or on a particular date.

*Where reinstatement would make no practical difference, eg a suspension has already ended, or the parent make clear they do not want their child reinstated, the board must still consider whether the pupil should be officially reinstated. 

Last updated: 16 October 2024