Suspension / Expulsion

Chapters 10, 11 and 12 of Developing Codes of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools deal with the issues of suspension and expulsion from primary schools, including the legal and procedural requirements. Schools are advised that in drawing up or reviewing their Codes of Behaviour, they should follow the advice set out in these Guidelines. The Guidelines acknowledge a child’s right to education, but also the occasional need for schools to suspend or expel pupils where serious misbehaviour occurs. Schools are reminded that decisions to suspend (for a total of 20 days or more in the current school year) or expel are open to appeal (under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998) and may be subject to judicial review by the High Court.