Challenging the exclusion at the governors' hearing

This part of the School Exclusions Hub covers challenges at the governors’ panel review, including preparing arguments and attending the hearing.

A family may request a governors’ review of any fixed term exclusion that takes the total number of days that the young person has missed due to exclusion to more than five in a term. For permanent exclusions, and fixed term exclusions taking the total number of excluded days to more than 15, this review is compulsory.

The governors are the only body that can reinstate a young person. The best way to make present a case is, first, to provide a copy of it with all your supporting evidence in advance.

The governors hearing will go ahead regardless of whether the family decide to attend it. It is helpful to attend the panel to make oral arguments and take the opportunity to ask questions of the headteacher and other school staff.