This article is based on the DfE's guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions, effective from 1 September 2023 (read our summary of what's changed from the previous guidance). It applies to maintained schools, academies, alternative provision academies and pupil referral units.
Note: if the pupil is 18 or older, then any actions that involve parents/carers throughout the hearing should involve the pupil instead.
Understand the requirements for a hearing
The governing board has a duty to consider your decision as the headteacher to suspend or permanently exclude a pupil, in certain circumstances.
Any permanent exclusion The board must consider and decide within 15 school days of receiving notice from the headteacher When a suspension would bring a pupil's number of school days out of school to more than 15 (15.5 days and above) in a term The board must consider and decide within 15 school days of receiving notice from the headteacher When a suspension would bring a pupil's number of
