This section is about your education and going to school. It looks at what can be done if you are being bullied, need extra help at school or if you have been excluded from school.
FAQ
- Will I have to continue in education if I have been permanently excluded from school. Can I challenge their decision?
If you are permanently excluded from school the local education authority must find somewhere else for you to go to school from the sixth school day, this might be another school or a Pupil Referral Unit. You or your parents can appeal the exclusion to the school governors and to an independent panel and they can either agree with the school or agree with you and tell the school to take you back. For more information, see Exclusions and Discipline.
- The school have confiscated my mobile phone. Can they do this?
Your school can confiscate your phone if you have used it to commit a crime or if the school behaviour policy says that phones are banned. A member of staff can look at data on the phone if there is good reason to do so and can delete files or images if they have been or could be used to cause harm, disrupt teaching or break school rules.
If you are suspected to have done something illegal, information held on your phone may be passed to the police. For more information, see Can I be searched at school.
- Can my parent(s) see my school records without my consent?
Your school records will have information on your progress at school, any reports and any letters between the school and you and/or your parents. Your parents can see this on your behalf but if you do not want them to see it you should speak to your Headteacher and explain why you do not want them to see it. For more information, see Education records.
- What can I do If I'm struggling at school?
Your school should provide you with extra support if you find school difficult. For example, they can help you with reading, writing, making friends and talking to adults and organising yourself and your schoolwork. You should speak to your parents and class teacher or SENCO if you need extra help. For more information, see Getting extra help in school.
- The school have sent me home because my hair is too short. Can they do this?
Your school should have a uniform policy which sets out what hairstyles are allowed. If the policy says that short hair is not allowed then they can send you home but they must consider your age, how far from home you live and where your parents are. The headteacher can also exclude you for breaching the uniform policy if he or she believes this is reasonable and fair. For more information, see School Uniform and Exclusions and Discipline.
