Permanent exclusion

Also called Expulsion, PEX

Removing a pupil from the school roll permanently. The most serious sanction, with the tightest deadlines.

What it is

A permanent exclusion removes a pupil from the school permanently. It should be used only as a last resort, in response to a serious breach or persistent breaches of the behaviour policy, and where allowing the pupil to remain would seriously harm the education or welfare of others.

Only the headteacher can permanently exclude.

Where it applies

Any pupil in a state school. Pupils with SEND and looked-after children are excluded at markedly higher rates, and the guidance says heads should as far as possible avoid excluding a pupil with an EHCP.

How it works

The deadlines are the thing to know:

The school must notify parents immediately, with reasons and with information about the right to make representations.

The **governing body must meet within 15 school days** of being notified, and parents can attend and be represented.

If governors uphold it, parents can ask for an **independent review panel within 15 school days** of that decision. The panel can uphold, recommend reconsideration, or quash and direct reconsideration — it cannot reinstate directly.

Parents can ask for a **SEN expert** to attend the review panel free of charge, whether or not the child has an identified SEN. This is often the most useful thing available and it is rarely taken up.

The council must arrange suitable full-time education from the **sixth school day**.

What you can ask for

Put the request for a governors' meeting in writing straight away, and ask for the evidence pack in advance.

Ask for a SEN expert at the review panel. Ask every time.

Ask whether the behaviour arose from unmet need or from a disability. A separate disability discrimination claim to the SEND Tribunal can be brought within six months and is a different and sometimes stronger route.

Do not agree to withdraw your child instead. That is off-rolling and it removes every right above.

Where to get help

Coram Children's Legal Centre's Child Law Advice, IPSEA, and School Exclusion Project, which offers free representation in some cases.