Suspension from school

When schools can suspend a pupil, and what this means for your child.

Part of

School suspensions, exclusions and the role of BACME

A suspension means your child cannot attend school for a set period of time or be on school premises without permission.  

A headteacher may suspend or exclude a pupil if: 

  • they have breached the school’s behaviour policy
  • allowing the pupil to remain in school would seriously harm the education or welfare of the pupil or others 

Breaching the school’s behaviour policy

All schools have a behaviour policy, and it is expected that pupils and their parents or carers agree to follow this policy. All suspensions and exclusions must be lawful, reasonable and fair.  

Pupils can be suspended or excluded for engaging in behaviours such as:  

  • physical assault or theft
  • behaviour which is persistent and disruptive
  • taking a weapon, alcohol or drugs to school  

Pupils can also be suspended or excluded for their behaviour outside of school in line with the school’s behaviour policy, including:  

  • their behaviour on school trips
  • when they are in uniform
  • on the way to and from school
  • behaviour which may bring the school into dispute  

A pupil can be suspended for up to 45 school days in a single academic year, either as one suspension or several suspensions. 

Suspension should be a last resort, after the school has tried other strategies, including:  

  • support for behaviour
  • pastoral interventions
  • consideration of any special educational needs (SEN)