Permanent Exclusions & Independent Review Panel Training
Practical, comprehensive training for school leaders, governors, clerks and Independent Review Panel members.
Next course:
Friday 16 October 2026
09:00 am – 12:30 pm
Online via Zoom
£125 + VAT per attendee
Practical training for governors, clerks, school leaders and panellists.
Next course:
Friday 27 February 2026
09:00am – 12:30pm
Online via Zoom
£125 + VAT per attendee
Permanent exclusions and requests for Independent Review Panels are increasing nationally. For schools and governing bodies, this brings added pressure, scrutiny and risk.
Exclusions are one of the most demanding statutory responsibilities placed on governors. Decisions must be lawful, procedurally sound and fair, often in emotionally charged circumstances and under tight timescales.
This training is designed to support governors, clerks and senior leaders to approach exclusions and Independent Review Panels with confidence, clarity and a clear understanding of their role within the process.
Permanent exclusion is one of the most significant decisions a school can make. It is also an area of considerable statutory responsibility for Headteachers, governors and those supporting the process, with decisions subject to scrutiny through Independent Review Panels.
This practical training takes participants through the permanent exclusion process from the initial decision through to independent review, providing a clear understanding of the statutory framework, the responsibilities at each stage and what good practice looks like in practice.
The course is suitable both for those new to permanent exclusions and for experienced governors, clerks and education professionals who may sit on or support Independent Review Panels.
What the course covers
This practical, half-day session will cover:
Updated for the new July 2026 statutory guidance
This course has been fully updated to reflect the latest DfE statutory guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions, which came into force on 26 July 2026. We will explore the changes and clarifications within the new guidance, what they mean in practice, and the implications for school leaders, governing boards and Independent Review Panels.
Making the decision to permanently exclude
The statutory tests for permanent exclusion, the evidence and considerations that should inform the Headteacher's decision, alternatives to exclusion, and the particular considerations relating to pupils with SEND.
The Governor Discipline Committee
The Governing Board's statutory responsibilities when considering a permanent exclusion, including procedural fairness, questioning and testing the evidence, Equality Act duties and reaching a robust and defensible decision.
Independent Review Panels
A detailed look at the purpose and powers of the IRP, the roles of the Chair, panellists, clerk and SEN expert, and the principles an IRP must apply when reviewing the governing board's decision.
Reviewing the decision
How an IRP approaches evidence, procedural fairness and the principles applicable on an application for judicial review, including the circumstances in which a decision may be upheld, recommended for reconsideration or quashed and directed for reconsideration.
What happens next?
The practical implications of an IRP decision, the reconsideration process and the responsibilities of the governing board following a review.
From guidance to practice
Understanding the statutory guidance is only part of the picture. Our training goes beyond the guidance to explore how the requirements should be applied in real situations, the issues that commonly arise during permanent exclusion hearings and Independent Review Panels, and the practical steps that can help ensure a fair, robust and procedurally sound process.
Drawing on extensive experience of permanent exclusion hearings and Independent Review Panels, the course explores the questions, challenges and areas of uncertainty that arise in practice, rather than simply working through the statutory guidance.
There is also plenty of opportunity for participants to ask questions and explore real-life scenarios and issues, allowing the session to respond to the experience and needs of those attending.
The training reflects the current statutory guidance and legal framework. In developing our training, Clerks of London has consulted with education law specialists at Stone King on the implications of changes to the statutory guidance and the key areas schools, governors and Independent Review Panels need to be aware of.
Who Should Attend?
This course is suitable for:
Headteachers and Senior Leaders involved in permanent exclusion decisions
Governors and trustees who may sit on Governor Discipline Committees
Governance Professionals and Clerks supporting exclusion hearings
Experienced governors, trustees and education professionals who may sit on Independent Review Panels
Clerks supporting Independent Review Panels
Practical training for governors, clerks, school leaders and panellists.
Next course:
Friday 27 February 2026
09:00am – 12:30pm
Online via Zoom
£125 + VAT per attendee
Permanent exclusions and requests for Independent Review Panels are increasing nationally. For schools and governing bodies, this brings added pressure, scrutiny and risk.
Exclusions are one of the most demanding statutory responsibilities placed on governors. Decisions must be lawful, procedurally sound and fair, often in emotionally charged circumstances and under tight timescales.
This training is designed to support governors, clerks and senior leaders to approach exclusions and Independent Review Panels with confidence, clarity and a clear understanding of their role within the process.
Course facilitator
Sam Elms
Sam has over 20 years’ experience working across school governance, including as a CEO, Trustee, local governor, Clerk and Head of Governance. Sam has extensive experience supporting schools, Trusts and Governing bodies in high-stakes governance processes and has sat on Independent Review Panels for many years.
Make Lawful, Confident Decisions When It Matters Most
Join this focused half-day training and leave with clarity, confidence, and a clear understanding of your statutory responsibilities.
Book Your Place Today
Practical training for governors, clerks, school leaders and panellists.
Next course:
Friday 27 February 2026
09:00am – 12:30pm
Online via Zoom
£125 + VAT per attendee
Permanent exclusions and requests for Independent Review Panels are increasing nationally. For schools and governing bodies, this brings added pressure, scrutiny and risk.
Exclusions are one of the most demanding statutory responsibilities placed on governors. Decisions must be lawful, procedurally sound and fair, often in emotionally charged circumstances and under tight timescales.
This training is designed to support governors, clerks and senior leaders to approach exclusions and Independent Review Panels with confidence, clarity and a clear understanding of their role within the process.