Rapid Response Exclusion Training for Schools and Academies in England

For governing boards, academy trustees, headteachers and clerks who need to fulfil statutory duties with a pressing deadline to meet.

Why did I start LK Training & Consultancy?

My name is Lee and I proudly work for one of the largest local authorities in England, having built up more than 20 years experience advising school governors and leaders on their statutory duties in relation to pupil exclusions and attendance.‍ ‍

Over the years I noticed a pattern. Governors across schools were often thrust into the spotlight with a 15 school day deadline to decide whether or not to reinstate a permanently excluded pupil, often having had no training at all in making such an important decision. I often sat in meetings with governors who openly lacked knowledge of key statutory guidance they needed to apply to the circumstances, and seemed uncomfortable in front of the headteacher and parents.

Some parents requested independent reviews, and national data shows that over 40% of the decisions made by review panels are a recommendation or direction for the governing board to reconsider their decision. This creates a system which is time consuming, stressful for everyone, expensive (in cases where a £4,000 budget adjustment for the school was imposed) and a credibility issue for the governors. What has been the most common observation by review panels? A lack of governor training.

Lee Kennedy

When is training at short notice essential?‍

  • The Headteacher suspends a pupil and the total number of days of suspensions exceeds 15 in a term. You have the same timeframe as above!

  • The Headteacher has made a decision to permanently exclude a pupil. You have 15 school days in which to reconsider reinstatement!

Governing Boards and Academy Trustees

  • Parents request a meeting after a suspension which takes the total number of days above 5 in the term. You have 50 school days to consider reinstatement!

  • Parents of a permanently excluded pupil request an independent review following your decision not to reinstate their child. The review must take place within 15 school days of the parental request!

  • You have made a decision to permanently exclude a pupil. Your governors/trustees must consider reinstatement in the next 15 school days.

Headteachers, Principals & Heads of School

  • You have suspended a pupil which takes their total number of suspension days above 15 in the term. Governors have same timeframe as above!

  • Parents request a meeting after a suspension which takes the total above 5 days in the term. Governors have 50 days to consider reinstatement!

  • Parents of a pupil you have permanently excluded pupil request an independent review following governors declining reinstatement. The review must be held within 15 school days of the parental request!

All training is based on statutory guidance published by the Department for Education in July 2026.‍ ‍

All sessions are run live and online.

Choose your role below…

  • Governors and Trustees

    For a governing board or academy trustees (minimum three representatives) preparing for a statutory meeting to consider a pupil’s suspensions or permanent exclusion, or with an independent review pending.

    Book now

  • Clerks to Governors

    For Clerks to the board or trustees (or anyone acting a similar position who is not officially the clerk) who are required to organise and minute a statutory exclusion meeting led by the governors/trustees.

    Book now

  • School Leaders

    For Headteachers. Principals or Heads of School who have made a decision to permanently exclude a pupil (or suspend which triggers a statutory duty for governors to consider reinstatement.

    Book now

  • “Lee’s training was really engaging and comprehensive. There was so much useful information that I’m well aware of the pitfalls to avoid!”

    - Helen (Academy Trustee)

  • “I’ve never permanently excluded a pupil before in my career, so knew nothing about the process. This training helped immensely with my preparation for the board meeting.”

    - Martin (Headteacher)

  • “I was called upon to set up a governors meeting when a pupil was permanently excluded. I managed to find this training two weeks before and it was a blessing.

    - Mrs Peters (Clerk)