Suspension and exclusion from school

Your child will only be suspended or excluded from school if:

• they break the school’s behaviour policy, and
• it would harm their own or others education or welfare if they stay in school

Your child will not usually be suspended or excluded for incidents such as: 

• not doing homework or poor academic performance
• lateness or truancy
• pregnancy
• breaking school uniform or appearance rules
• their parents behaviour
• for their own protection from bullying

Read the government’s guide for parents on school behaviour and exclusion (GOV.UK)

Serious offences in school

In exceptional circumstances, a headteacher may exclude your child for a first or one-off serious offence. This would be when their behaviour affects the discipline and wellbeing of the whole school.

For example: 

• serious actual or threatened violence against a pupil or a member of staff
• sexual abuse or assault
• supplying an illegal drug or carrying an offensive weapon on school site

If a serious offence is clearly established, the governors will not usually reinstate your child.

At this stage, you can request that your child’s case is reviewed by an independent review panel.

Incidents outside school

 Your child can be suspended or excluded for behaviour that takes place outside school.

This could happen if the headteacher feels there’s a clear link between that behaviour and maintaining discipline within the school.