Department for Education in call for evidence on school exclusion reforms

The reforms set out in the Schools White Paper are:

• Internal suspension: “introducing a clear, time-limited framework for internal suspension, allowing pupils who have been removed from the classroom for disciplinary reasons to remain on-site and maintain continuity of education, while signalling that suspension is for serious disciplinary reasons.”
• Reintegration support partnerships: “a process for reintegration following a suspension which will involve a formal meeting leading to an agreed plan with clear responsibilities to help ensure parents play an active part in supporting their child’s reflection and successful reintegration after a suspension.”
• Provision of schoolwork during the first five days of suspension and permanent exclusion: “to minimise disruption to learning and avoid time-consuming catch up, schoolwork is expected to be set and completed during the first five days of a suspension and permanent exclusion.”

The DfE said a central element of its agenda is to promote effective practice and appropriate use of suspensions, while identifying approaches that will help reduce preventable permanent exclusions through earlier intervention.

It added: “We are seeking evidence on how schools use suspensions appropriately as part of effective behaviour management, how pupils can best be supported to remain engaged with education during periods of suspension, and how schools, families and pupils can work together to support successful reintegration and reduce the likelihood of repeated suspensions or permanent exclusions.

“We are also interested in their impact on different groups of pupils, approaches to parental engagement, barriers to successful reintegration, and effective strategies for supporting reintegration.”

The call for evidence closes on 19 November 2026.