Apply for an exclusion review

Summary: This page explains how to apply for an independent review panel (IRP), what to include, and where to send your form.

When you can apply

You can ask for an independent review if the governing board decides not to reinstate your child after a permanent exclusion.

You must apply within 15 school days of the date the governing board sends its decision letter.

If the school is not using the Surrey School Appeals Service

Some schools do not use the Surrey School Appeals Service.

If your child’s school is not using our service, the governing board’s letter will tell you how to ask for a review and where to get the form.

Apply within 15 school days

This is the most important deadline.

The Surrey School Appeals Service must receive your form within 15 school days.

How to apply

To apply, you must fill in the Notice of Application for an Independent Review form and send it to the School Appeals Service.

Your form must include:

• your reasons for asking for a review
• whether you want a special educational needs (SEN) expert
• your signature and the date

Where to send your form

Send your completed form to:

School Appeals Service
Dakota
11 De Havilland Drive
Weybridge
KT13 0YP

Tips for completing the form

• Say if you think your child’s special educational needs (SEN) played a part.
• You can ask for an SEN expert even if your child does not have a formal diagnosis.
• Add extra sheets if needed and label them clearly.
• Keep a copy of everything you send.

What happens after you apply

After we receive your form, we will:

• arrange your hearing within 15 school days
• aim to send you the hearing papers at least 5 school days before the hearing

Important information about the panel

The panel cannot reinstate your child.

It can only:

• uphold the exclusion
• recommend the governing board reconsider 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.

Your child’s school record

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