Once a decision is made, the Principal must write immediately to your parent/carer and tell them about their right of appeal against the decision to an independent Expulsion Appeal Tribunal (which is convened by the Education Authority in which the school is located), the time limit set by the Education Authority for lodging an appeal and where the appeal should be lodged.
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What will happen before I am expelled?
Before an expulsion can take place there must be a meeting between your parents/carers, the Principal, Chief Executive of the Education Authority and the Chairperson of the Board of Governors. You can ask to attend this meeting if you wish.
You may still be expelled if your parents/carers fail to attend this meeting as they only need to have been invited to attend. This meeting must include a discussion about your future education.
If you go to an Education Authority controlled school, the Principal must prepare papers and send these to the Suspensions and Expulsions Panel of the Education Authority where you go to school. The papers then get sent to a committee called the Committee on the Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils.
If you attend a Catholic Council Maintained School (CCMS), a voluntary school or a grant-maintained school, the Board of Governors of your school makes the final decision about whether you will be expelled.
Can my school just expel me without any warning or alternative consequence?
No, you must have been suspended at least once before you can be expelled.
I feel like I have been unfairly expelled, what can I do?
Every school must have procedures for expulsions. You or your parents/carers can ask to see these. You should always ask your school to put you in touch with an Education Welfare Officer if you are expelled from school. The rules can be slightly different depending on what type of school you attend. The Education Authority will be able to advise you on this.