School exclusion

Exclusion from school is linked to a much wider set of recurring inequalities, circumstances and consequences including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the criminal justice system. Its impact on the life chances of young people can be far reaching and avoiding exclusion should be understood as part of a wider ambition to intervene in experiences of disadvantage at a formative stage in a young person’s life.  

There is also a strong link between young people being excluded from school and being criminally exploited. The Children’s Society have conducted research into what 11 young people say are their experiences of school and exclusions, including the role of exploitation. You can access their report Youth Voice on School Exclusions, here. 

‘Young people have told us that being excluded from school has a huge impact on their lives. Their learning is disrupted, their emotional health and well-being is damaged, so too are their relationships with friends and family and their relationship to learning and achieving. Their confidence and self – esteem declines and they lose hope for the future. Young people told us they think there is a link between being excluded and being at risk of serious harm through exploitation.’

Youth Voice on School Exclusions 

For the most recent Welsh Government data on school exclusions in Wales, please click below.

To appeal against an exclusion, and take steps to maintain the education of excluded learners, please see the below Welsh Government guidance (2024). This guidance should be read in conjunction with the following Welsh Government guidance on meetings about school exclusions. 

Exclusion from schools and Pupil Referral Units

School exclusions meetings