What is an independent review panel (IRP) hearing?
An independent review panel (IRP) hearing scrutinises a governing board's decision to uphold a pupil's permanent exclusion. This helps to make sure that exclusions are lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair.
When your governing board decides not to reinstate an excluded pupil during an exclusion hearing, parents/carers can apply for an IRP to consider the decision.
The pupil's name can't be removed from your school roll during this process.
LAs and trusts are responsible for convening the panel
The local authority (LA) for maintained schools and the academy trust for academies is responsible for arranging an IRP meeting at their own expense.
Parents/carers must request an IRP hearing within 15 school days of them receiving written notification of the governing board's decision not to reinstate a permanently