Explanatory note

This Order amends Schedule 18 to the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 in so far as it applies to England.

As originally enacted the Schedule requires exclusion appeal panels to meet to consider an appeal no later than 15 school days after an appeal is lodged. It gives local education authorities the power to set a later date for the meeting in exceptional circumstances where this is requested by the pupil’s parent or by the pupil himself (depending on whether or not he is under the age of 18).

Article 2(2) removes this power to set a later date, with the result that (subject to the saving in Article 3(1)) exclusion appeal panels will have to meet within the specified period of 15 days. However, Article 2(3) introduces a general power for such panels to adjourn the substantive hearing of an appeal.