Reconsidering reinstatement after an independent review panel

Following a decision from an independent review panel, your governing board might be required to reconsider reinstating an excluded pupil. Understand the steps that you need to take next.

Last reviewed on 1 August 2023
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School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 5217
Contents
  1. Receiving a decision from the IRP
  2. If the IRP has upheld the board's decision
  3. If the IRP has either 'recommended' or 'directed' reconsideration
  4. During reconsideration
  5. After reconsideration

Use the previous guidance for pupils suspended before 1 September 2023

The new guidance only applies to suspensions and exclusions which take place on or after 1 September 2023. If you have ongoing cases, make sure you follow the guidance that was in place when the suspension or exclusion process started.

However, your headteacher should inform parents/carers of their new right to request a remote panel hearing on 1 September, or as soon as possible afterwards (see paragraph 254 of the September 2023 guidance, which makes provision for ongoing cases to use remote panels).

Download the 2022 guidance here:

Suspension and permanent exclusion guidance 2022 PDF, 544.5 KB

The information in this article can be found in parts 10 to 12 of the Department for Education's (DfE's) statutory exclusions guidance (September 2023).

Receiving a decision from the IRP

Uphold your board’s decision Recommend that your board reconsider

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