A permanent exclusion means your child is no longer allowed to attend their school unless the decision is overturned by the governing body of the school. It should only be used as a last resort, typically in response to:
- serious breaches of the school’s behaviour policy
- when allowing the pupil to remain would seriously harm the education or welfare of others
Proof needed to suspend or exclude a pupil
Standard of proof
The headteacher's decision to exclude must be taken on the 'balance of probabilities'. This means that it is more likely than not that the pupil did what they are accused of.
This isn't the same as the 'beyond a reasonable doubt' standard required in a criminal case.