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School exclusions training

Expert-led training on the exclusions framework for senior leaders, governing boards and independent review panel members.

School exclusions carry significant legal and reputational risk and it’s crucial that schools and trusts comply with the latest guidance.

Our specialist education lawyers can take you step-by-step through the process of both the disciplinary committee stage and the independent review panel (IRP) stage, ensuring that governors, senior leaders and IRP members understand and are compliant with the law and the latest guidance surrounding exclusions.

This is particularly important given that the statutory guidance on school exclusions emphasises the importance of the role of governors, both in reviewing the headteacher’s decision and at IRP hearings.

We run two specialist training sessions - one for senior leaders and governing boards, and one for IRP members and clerks. Both are built around the July 2026 DfE statutory guidance and give attendees the practical knowledge to get decisions right.

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Get in touch Chat through your requirements
Katherine Cracknell Head of Wellbeing and Education Safeguarding, Hackney Education
"The training was brilliant - it was so evident that you know such a lot, but also that you are really committed to championing the rights of children to be included."

Training for senior leaders and governing boards

Our session for senior leaders and governing boards gives trustees and governors a clear, practical grounding in the exclusions framework - covering the law, the process, and where things go wrong.

What this session covers

The training for senior leaders and governing boards covers:

  • Outline of key provisions of the DfE statutory guidance on exclusions.
  • Exploration of key documents.
  • Our experience of where things go wrong.
  • Disciplinary penalties and understanding alternatives to exclusion.
  • Unofficial exclusions.
  • Equality and SEND considerations.
  • Exclusions - grounds and types.
  • Exclusions process and timescales, with case studies.
  • Investigation.
  • Headteacher/principal's decision to exclude - ensuring a lawful, reasonable and fair decision.
  • Governing board review stage - procedure, applicable tests, paperwork and decision-making.
  • Reconsideration.
  • Case studies.
  • Top tips.
  • Questions.

Training for IRP members and clerks

The training for IRP members covers all elements required by paragraph 207 of the statutory guidance. The training covers the legal tests and relevant case law in depth.

What this session covers

  • The requirements of primary legislation, regulations and statutory guidance governing suspensions and permanent exclusions on disciplinary grounds - including the principles applicable in an application for judicial review relating to the panel's decision-making (illegality, irrationality and procedural impropriety).
  • Understanding and applying the Equality Act 2010 - protected characteristics and prohibited misconduct.
  • The need for the panel to observe procedural fairness and the rules of natural justice.
  • The role of the chair of a review panel.
  • The role of the clerk to a review panel.
  • The effect of section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the need to act in a manner compatible with other human rights protected by that Act.

Outcome

After completing the training, all attendees can sit on IRPs for two years.

Cost

The standard two-hour online session is £1,295 plus VAT. Shorter and longer sessions are available on request. Training is also available in-person at the same rate plus disbursements and travel from our nearest office.

Would you like to find out more?

We’re happy to chat through your requirements.

Get in touch

Registration form

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