expert support when you need it
Suspension and Exclusion Guidance for Schools and MATs
Independent suspension and exclusion guidance for schools and trusts, supporting governors and trustees through complex panel decisions.
Get in touchRelated services:
Clerking & Governance Service | Enhanced Governance Support | Governor & Trustee Training
335,700
suspensions in the
autumn term 2024/25
3,700
permanent exclusions in the
autumn term of 2024/25
84%
permanent exclusions
were in secondary
51%
of all reasons given for suspension
was persistent disruptive behaviour
Support for difficult governance decisions
Suspension and permanent exclusion decisions carry significant responsibility for schools, trusts and governing boards.
Panels need to understand the evidence, follow the correct process and reach fair, well-informed decisions that can with stand scrutiny.
Our specialist governance professionals provide independent suspension and exclusion guidance before, during and after panel hearings. From reviewing documentation and preparing panels to providing procedural advice during hearings, we help governors and trustees navigate complex cases with greater clarity and consistency.
Pre-hearing case
& panel support
Get your panel prepared before the hearing with structured case and document reviews.
We assess the available information, highlight procedural considerations and provide practical guidance so governors and trustees understand their responsibilities before making a decision.
Features:
- Detailed case and document review
- Procedural guidance ahead of hearings
- Panel preparation and briefing
- Identification of potential process issues
- Advice on governance responsibilities
Independent support
during hearings
Experienced Governance Professionals provide impartial procedural guidance throughout suspension and permanent exclusion panels.
Support helps governors stay focused on the evidence, follow appropriate processes and make fair, consistent and well-documented decisions.
Features
- Expert procedural guidance during hearings
- Independent and impartial governance support
- Virtual attendance at panel hearings
- Support with questions and process
- Guidance on recording decisions
Support beyond the hearing
Support doesn't stop when the panel ends.
We provide guidance on documenting decisions, following appropriate next steps and addressing any governance considerations, with flexible access to specialist expertise when further cases arise.
Features
- Post-hearing procedural guidance
- Decision and record-keeping support
- Advice on appropriate next steps
- Flexible access to specialist expertise
- Bulk support across multiple panels
Testimonials
Clarity when decisions
carry weight.
When the stakes are high, experienced support can make all the difference, helping governors navigate complex cases, follow the right process and reach fair, well-informed decisions.
What you gain:
- Independent perspective for decisions that carry significant responsibility
- Practical advice that helps governors make informed decisions
- Independent guidance to strengthen challenge and accountability
- Responsive expertise available when governance issues arise
- Proactive updates keep your governing body informed and prepared
- Consistent support across schools, academies and trusts
- Professional clerking that keeps meetings focused and productive
- Flexible support tailored to your governing body’s needs
service brochure
Stronger boards.
Better decisions.
Explore how Judicium works alongside schools and MATs to strengthen governance, support effective decision-making and provide expert oversight when it matters most, from professional clerking to board development and specialist governance reviews.
What’s inside the brochure
- Our full Governance & Clerking service
- Trustee and Governor Training and Development
- The impact of effective governance on your board
- External Reviews of Governance and improvement support
- Flexible governance cover when you need it
- A real example of governance partnership in practice
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Frequently asked questions about Suspension and Exclusion Panels
A suspension is a temporary removal of a pupil from school, while a permanent exclusion means the pupil is removed from the school permanently. Both decisions must follow the relevant statutory guidance and the school or trust’s behaviour policy.
The governing board has specific responsibilities when reviewing suspensions and permanent exclusions, depending on the circumstances and length of the suspension. Governors must consider the relevant evidence, follow statutory guidance and ensure decisions are fair, proportionate and properly recorded.
The requirements depend on the length and circumstances of the suspension or whether the pupil has been permanently excluded. Governing boards should follow the current statutory guidance to understand when a review or meeting is required and what process must be followed.
Panel members should be eligible governors or trustees who have no conflict of interest or prior involvement that could affect their impartiality. The board should ensure members understand their responsibilities and have access to the information and guidance needed to make an informed decision.
Governors should consider the circumstances and evidence surrounding the decision, the school's policies and the relevant statutory requirements. They should ensure the correct process has been followed, consider representations where required and reach an independent, properly reasoned decision.
Yes. Schools and trusts can seek independent governance support when panels need additional expertise or when cases are complex. Specialist guidance can help governors understand procedural requirements, prepare for hearings and ensure decisions are fair, consistent and properly documented.