School Exclusions Explained: Suspensions, Permanent Exclusions and Managed Moves

Why this guide matters

Managing school exclusions is one of the hardest parts of school leadership, and for families it can be a worrying and confusing time. This guide explains the main terms in plain English, based on the DfE’s statutory guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions from maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units in England. It is a summary, not legal advice. Families who need advice about a particular exclusion may wish to contact their local authority’s information and advice service or an independent advice organisation.

Suspensions

A suspension (previously called a fixed-period exclusion) is when a pupil is removed from school for a set number of days. Only the headteacher can suspend a pupil, and a pupil can be suspended for up to a maximum of 45 school days in a single school year, either in one go or across several suspensions.

Parents must be told without delay, with the reasons, the length of the suspension and their right to make representations to the governing board. During the first five school days the school should set and mark work. If a suspension lasts longer than five consecutive school days, the school must arrange suitable full-time education from the sixth day – this is often where alternative provision comes in.

Permanent exclusions

A permanent exclusion means the pupil is no longer allowed to attend the school and is removed from its roll once any review process has finished. The guidance describes permanent exclusion as a serious decision that should only be taken in response to a serious breach or persistent breaches of the school’s behaviour policy, and where allowing the pupil to stay in school would seriously harm the education or welfare of the pupil or others.

The local authority must arrange suitable full-time education from the sixth school day of a permanent exclusion, typically in a pupil referral unit, AP academy or other alternative provision.

Managed moves

A managed move is a voluntary, planned transfer of a pupil to another school, agreed by both schools, the parents and the pupil. It can offer a fresh start and avoid the need for a permanent exclusion. Managed moves often begin with a trial period, and the arrangements and review dates should be agreed in writing.

The guidance is clear that a managed move should never be used to pressure a family, and that parents should not be made to feel they must agree to avoid an exclusion. Removing a pupil from the school roll without following the formal process – sometimes called off-rolling – is not acceptable.

Off-site direction and preventative AP

Schools can also arrange for a pupil to attend alternative provision for a period to help improve their behaviour, while they stay on the school’s roll. Used early and well, short-term preventative AP can help a young person avoid exclusion altogether. The placement should have clear objectives, be reviewed regularly and include a plan for the pupil’s return.

Informal or unofficial exclusions are unlawful

Sending a pupil home “to cool off”, or asking parents to keep a child at home, without following the formal suspension process is an unofficial exclusion and is unlawful, even with the parents’ agreement. All exclusions must be formally recorded and notified.

Where alternative provision fits in

• education from the sixth day of a longer suspension, arranged by the school
• education from the sixth day of a permanent exclusion, arranged by the local authority
• preventative placements to reduce the risk of exclusion
• part-time AP alongside a managed move or reintegration plan

What schools should keep a record of

Clear records protect pupils, families and schools. Schools should record exclusion decisions and notifications, the education arranged from day six, the objectives and reviews of any AP placement, and the agreements behind any managed move. Pupils placed in AP following an exclusion should be monitored just as closely as any other pupil – knowing where they are, whether they are attending, and whether they are safe.

How ReferralMS helps

ReferralMS helps schools arrange alternative provision quickly and safely when it is needed. Referrals capture the reason for referral, including any exclusion history, alongside needs and risks. Once a placement starts, schools see daily attendance, timetable changes and safeguarding concerns from the provider, so pupils who are out of mainstream school are never out of sight.