The decision to exclude

The headteacher is the only person who can take the initial decision to exclude a pupil from school. This decision will only be taken in response to serious breaches of school discipline, and in most cases when your child is excluded there will have been earlier discussions between you and school staff about your child's behaviour. When a pupil is excluded the headteacher must tell the parents, the school governors and the LA.

The headteacher must explain:

• why the school has decided to exclude your child
• the steps taken to try to avoid exclusion
• the arrangements for setting and marking your child's work
• your right to state your case before the Governing Body's Discipline Committee
• your right to see your child's school record.

The headteacher will then complete a form detailing the reasons why the child is being excluded. A sample copy of this form is shown below in PDF format for reference only:

Notification of exclusion from school form