Permanent exclusion is the most severe sanction a school can impose on a child and the number of permanently excluded children is rising. Based on systematic observation of exclusion appeal panel hearings.Challenges to School Exclusion offers a unique insight into the appeal process. It focuses on:

*mechanisms by which parents and children can challenge permanent exclusion
*the law and current practice
*the social context of exclusion
*reforms of the appeal system made by the School Standards and Framework Act
*the DfEEs latest guidance on pupil inclusion.

Challenges to School Exclusion is the first study to examine permanent exclusion. The findings reveal serious deficiencies in the appeal system, including a frequent failure to deal fairly with excluded children. The text will be of particular interest to head teachers, local education authorities, school governors, education lawyers and education charities.