School exclusions

My request relates to the work of the Independent Review Panels (IRP) considering appeals against permanent exclusions within Secondary Schools and Academies (excluding special schools).

For each academic year from 2013-date I wish to request the following:

– Number of appeals considered by IRPs by reason for exclusion (using the DfE categories ‘ see below)
– Appeal outcomes for each exclusion category, by secondary and academy establishment. The outcome data I seek is based on the DfE guidance: number upholding the exclusion; number recommending reconsideration by the governing body of which, the number of pupils offered reinstatement; number directing reconsideration by the governing body of which, the number of pupils offered reinstatement

To assist you, these are the permanent exclusion categories used by the DfE:

Physical assault against a pupil
Physical assault against an adult
Verbal abuse/ threatening behaviour against a pupil
Verbal abuse/ threatening behaviour against an adult
Bullying
Racist abuse
Sexual misconduct
Drug and alcohol related
Damage
Theft
Persistent disruptive behaviour
Other

We can provide the following information:

Appeals

2013/14 – total received: 7; total upheld: 6

2014-15 – total received:6; total upheld: 3

2015-16 – total received: 3; total upheld: 3

2016-17 – total received: 9; total upheld: 5

2017-18 – total received: 16; total upheld 6

Because the numbers are so low, to provide a further breakdown, including appeal outcomes for each exclusion category, by secondary and academy establishment, would risk identifying the individuals concerned. This would be unfair to the individuals concerned and a breach of s.35 of the Data Protection Act 2018. This further information is therefore exempt from disclosure pursuant to s.40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.