Why do schools suspend or exclude?

All schools must have policies and procedures in place to promote behaviour that is beneficial to learning and which make schools safe and welcoming environments for everyone.

A Behaviour Policy sets out expectations and rules for students and all staff and the type of support available for students. The Behaviour Policy will describe those types of behaviour which would normally lead to disciplinary action, including exclusion. Permanent exclusions should always be a last resort, after a wide range of strategies and interventions have been tried.

Headteachers may, under exceptional circumstances, exclude a student permanently for a first or one-off offence such as an incident involving a weapon, serious assault or the possession/supplying of illegal drugs.

Students can also be suspended or excluded for behaviour that occurs outside of school when it is connected with the school and where there is a high risk of negative repercussions for the orderly running of the school, poses a threat to another student or member of the public, or negatively affects the reputation of the school.

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Page last updated:

February 14, 2023