This article covers suspensions, meaning the temporary suspension (previously called 'fixed-term exclusions') of a pupil from your school. For guidance on exclusions see our article on excluding a pupil.
This article is based on the following guidance from the DfE:
- School suspensions and permanent exclusions – this statutory guidance applies to all pupils, including those above and below compulsory school age
- Behaviour in schools
Both guidance documents apply to maintained schools, academies (including free schools), alternative provision (AP) academies (including AP free schools), and pupil referral units (PRUs).
What is a suspension?
Suspensions can also be for parts of the school day, such as lunchtime suspensions. A lunchtime suspension counts as half a school day for statistical purposes, and the same legal requirements apply (explained later in this