# SCHOOL EXCLUSION APPEAL LETTER
Date: 9 January 2031
Parties: Daniel Hughes, acting for Ava Hughes, and Northgate Academy
## 1. Purpose and parties
Daniel Hughes appeals the 15-day fixed-period exclusion of his daughter Ava Hughes, a Year 9 pupil at Northgate Academy, imposed on 7 January 2031 after an allegation that she threatened another pupil. Ava denies making the threat and has been absent pending the school's decision.
## 2. Facts, scope and terms
The appeal asks the governing body to review whether the headteacher had sufficient evidence, considered Ava's account and SEND profile, applied the behaviour policy consistently, and selected a proportionate period. The incident witness statements contain materially different accounts and the alleged message is not attached.
## 3. Process and responsibilities
Daniel requests a meeting, reasonable time to make representations, the decision and reasons in writing, and reinstatement with a supported return. The school must provide work during exclusion and should assess safeguarding, education and welfare needs without prejudging the allegation.
## 4. Evidence, records and safeguards
Daniel supplies Ava's written account, an email from the other pupil's parent, attendance records and her SENCO adjustment plan. The school should retain originals, limit circulation to those deciding the review, and anonymise unrelated pupils where possible.
## 5. Review, escalation and outcome
If the governing body does not reinstate or correct the decision, Daniel will ask for an Independent Review Panel (IRP) where the exclusion is permanent, or use the available local authority/governing-body review route for this fixed-period exclusion. An IRP may uphold, recommend reconsideration or direct reconsideration in the statutory circumstances; it is not a criminal court.
## 6. Reservations and practical protections
Ava is not to contact the alleged witness while the matter is reviewed. Nothing in this appeal waives Daniel's or Ava's Equality Act 2010, safeguarding or education rights, and the school should make reasonable adjustments for the meeting.
## 7. England and Wales law and completion
The appeal is dated 9 January 2031 and delivered to the academy office and exclusions@northgate.example as separate permitted methods. It refers to the statutory exclusion guidance and England and Wales law; Daniel signs as Ava's parent.