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Excluding a pupil: procedures and guidance

Be clear on the procedures for excluding a pupil from your school, when you can lawfully do so, and who you must inform.

Last reviewed on 3 February 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 2117
Contents
  1. When can we exclude a pupil? 
  2. What the headteacher must consider before excluding a pupil
  3. Remember that off-rolling is unlawful
  4. Pupils who require special consideration
  5. How to report and record exclusions
  6. Arranging provision for excluded pupils
  7. Headteachers can cancel an exclusion
  8. Governors must consider all permanent exclusions

This article is based on the following guidance from the DfE:

Both guidance documents apply to maintained schools, academies (including free schools), alternative provision (AP) academies (including AP free schools), and pupil referral units (PRUs).

When can we exclude a pupil? 

You can only exclude a pupil on serious disciplinary grounds 

You should only decide to do this:

You can also exclude pupils for behaviour outside school, if it’s in line with your school's behaviour policy. This might be if the behaviour may bring your school in to disrepute, or if the pupil was