After a permanent exclusion

Summary: This page helps you decide your next steps and where to get support.

When to apply for a review

You may want to apply if:

• you think the exclusion was unfair
• you believe your child’s special educational needs (SEN) or other needs played a part
• you did not get the chance to share your views earlier
• you want an independent review panel (IRP) to check the decision

You must apply within 15 school days from the date the governing board sends you its decision letter. After you apply, we will give you the date of your review hearing.

If the Surrey Schools Appeal Service does not receive your form within 15 school days, we cannot arrange a review.

When a review may not be right for you

A review may not help if:

• you have missed the 15 school day deadline
• you have already decided not to continue with the process

If you are unsure, you can still contact a support service for advice.

If you think discrimination took place

You can:

• make a disability discrimination claim to the First-tier Tribunal (within 6 months)
• make another type of discrimination claim to the County Court (within 6 months)

These do not delay or replace the independent review. You can do both.

Who can help you

You can get free, confidential advice from:

• School Appeals Service – questions about the independent review process
• SEND Advice Surrey – help if your child has special educational needs (SEN)
• Coram Child Law Advice – legal guidance for families
• Equality and Human Rights Commission – discrimination concerns
• First-tier Tribunal – disability discrimination cases

Important information about the panel

The panel cannot reinstate your child.

It can:

• uphold the exclusion
• recommend the governing board reconsiders the decision
• quash (cancel) the decision and direct the governing board to reconsider if your child should return to the school

The governing board does not have to reinstate your child.

What happens next

If you decide to apply:

• fill in the form
• send it within 15 school days
• wait for the hearing date

If you decide not to apply:

• the exclusion decision stays in place
• you can still seek advice or consider a discrimination claim if relevant

If you decide not to ask for an independent review, you may still need help with your child’s education.

You can contact the Education team for advice about support or alternative education.

Contact us about schools and learning

Your child's school record

The permanent exclusion and panel decision stays on your child’s school record whatever the panel decides.