Updated Guidance on School Suspensions and Exclusions

New statutory guidance and reason codes published for schools

The Department for Education has updated the statutory guidance relating to suspensions and permanent exclusions in schools. Alongside this, the list of reason codes used by schools to categorise exclusions has also been revised.

Key changes to the guidance

The updated guidance aims to provide clearer instructions for schools on managing suspensions and permanent exclusions. It sets out the legal framework and best practices that schools should follow to ensure fair and consistent application of exclusions.

Schools are expected to use the revised reason codes when recording exclusions, which helps maintain accurate data and supports monitoring and analysis of exclusion trends.

Purpose of the updates

• To clarify the responsibilities of schools and governing bodies regarding exclusions
• To improve consistency in the use of reason codes across schools
• To support efforts to reduce unnecessary exclusions and promote alternative strategies

Implications for schools and local authorities

Schools will need to familiarise themselves with the updated guidance and ensure their policies and procedures reflect the changes. Local authorities and school leaders can use the revised reason codes to better understand the causes of exclusions and develop targeted interventions.

Further information and the full updated guidance are available on the Department for Education’s official website.