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.