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Policies & procedures

Chairing an exclusion panel

How to chair pupil exclusion and suspension panels effectively.

Guidance
04/06/2026

Chairs of pupil suspension and exclusion panels play a key role in ensuring that proceedings are conducted fairly and in a compliant manner, that all participants are treated with respect and the panel reaches a lawful and fair decision based on the evidence presented to them. 

This guidance provides practical advice to support chairs of suspension or exclusion panels in carrying out their role effectively. It covers:

  • managing the panel
  • supporting decision-making
  • representing the panel’s decision at an independent review panel (IRP)

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