Exclusion Policy
The College is committed to meeting the personal and educational needs of all students and this entails providing the highest level of academic support. However, it is recognised that there may be circumstances where the College will need to exclude students either on a temporary or permanent basis.
Permanent Exclusion
Permanent exclusion may only be made by the Principal or, in his/her absence, by the Chief Administrator. The reason(s) for the exclusion and the date when it becomes effective will be notified to the student. Permanent exclusions will normally not take place until oral and written warnings and fixed term exclusions have occurred, except in the case of gross misconduct where exclusion may be immediate. Gross misconduct is normally determined by the severity of the incident or where, despite previous written and oral warnings unacceptable behaviour has been repeated.
Suspension
Exclusion may be for a fixed term of normally up to five College days. This is often called suspension. Such exclusion may be made by the Principal or the Chief Administrator. The Principal will be informed in writing of any students who have been suspended. The reason(s) for the suspension will be notified to the student
Reasons for Exclusion
A student may be excluded from College whilst an investigation takes place into an incident or situation in which he/she may have been involved.
Behavioural reasons for exclusion
• A student may be excluded for behaviour that has the following characteristics:
• Causing offence, for example verbal abuse or vandalism.
• Endangering themselves or others through physical violence or threatening behaviour.
• Showing disregard of College rules, procedures or policies
• Persistent behaviour in class or elsewhere s which disrupts the learning of others
• A student will be permanently excluded if they are found to be involved in the use or supply of illegal substances whilst on the College site or whilst engaged in activities connected with the College.
• A student found to have used, or to be in possession of, an offensive weapon shall be permanently excluded from the College.
Academic reasons for exclusion
A student may be excluded if, despite the advice, encouragement and counselling of staff following agreed College procedures.
The following are academic grounds for exclusion:
• Unacceptable levels of absence and lateness
• Non or late submission of work
• Lack of attainment
• Non compliance with the rules of examining bodies
• Cheating
• Non fulfilment of College and course requirements.
Appeals against exclusion
• In the case of a permanent exclusion, the student has the right to appeal to an Appeals Group. The decision of the Appeals Group will be final.
• In the case of a fixed term exclusion, the student has the right to an Appeals Group led by the Principal.
