Schools, parents and charities have under two weeks left to give their views on proposed reforms to school exclusions in England, with the government's call for evidence closing on 19 November 2026.

The Department for Education (DfE) opened the call on 15 October, seeking evidence on three proposals from the Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, published in February. The proposals cover a national framework for internal suspension, reintegration support partnerships after a suspension, and schoolwork during the first five days of a suspension or permanent exclusion.

Three changes under consideration

The first proposal would set a clear, time-limited framework for internal suspension, where a pupil is removed from lessons but remains in school. The second would require reintegration plans agreed with families after a suspension. The third would place a legal duty on schools to set work for pupils to complete at home during the first five days of a suspension or exclusion.

The department is keen to hear from parents and carers, schools, local authorities, charities, researchers and organisations that support children and young people, including SEND information, advice and support services. It is asking specifically about the impact on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities and those eligible for free school meals.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell has described the work as part of building "a system that rewards inclusion, not exclusion". Data cited by campaigners suggests the use of internal exclusions has almost tripled in three years, although removal from lessons is not captured in national data, so there is little official evidence on how it works in practice.

No new rules have been introduced through the call for evidence. Responses will inform a later consultation on how any reforms should be put into practice.