School Suspension & Expulsion Archives | Barwon Community Legal Service
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School Suspension & Expulsion

Being suspended or expelled is serious, but schools must follow clear rules before they can do it. You have the right to know why, to tell your side of the story, and in some cases to appeal the decision.

The rules are different depending on your school type. Government (state) schools must follow strict legal procedures. Private, independent and Catholic schools set their own rules and have more freedom.

Topics

Suspension:

  • Only the principal can suspend you
  • The principal must consider other options before suspending you
  • You must be given the chance to respond before any decision is made
  • You and your parent or guardian must receive a written notice stating the reason and the dates
  • From Term 3 2025 — New power: Principals can also suspend or expel students for serious behaviour that happens outside school or online, if it puts students or staff at serious risk — this previously only applied to behaviour at school or school activities

Expulsion:

  • Expulsion is permanent exclusion — the principal must believe it is the only option left
  • Before a decision is made, there must be a formal meeting where you, your parent or guardian, and a support person can attend and respond
  • The school must consider alternatives — your educational needs, age, disability (if any), and circumstances must all be taken into account
  • If you are under 17 and expelled the school must make sure you are enrolled somewhere else or have employment — they cannot just expel you and leave you with nothing
  • You have 10 business days from receiving your expulsion notice to lodge an appeal — this is a strict deadline, do not miss it

Complaints – Government Schools:

  • Step 1: Raise the issue with the school first
  • Step 2: If not resolved, contact the Victorian Ombudsman — ombudsman.vic.gov.au — Independent of government — can investigate and recommend action

You may also be able to take legal action if you were not heard, the decision did not follow proper procedure, or you were treated unfairly because of your disability, race, gender, sexuality, or another protected characteristic.

These schools are not bound by the same strict rules as government schools. They set their own suspension and expulsion procedures.

  • Ask for a copy of your school’s disciplinary procedures — each school’s rules are different
  • All private schools must have a complaints procedure — start there
  • There is no government appeal pathway for expulsion from a private school
  • Physical punishment is never allowed at any school in Victoria

Complaints – Private, Independent & Catholic Schools:

  • Step 1: Follow the school’s internal complaints procedure
  • Step 2 — Independent schools: If not resolved, complain to the VRQA (Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority) vrqa.vic.gov.au — they can investigate breaches of minimum registration standards. You must complain within 12 months of the incident
  • Step 2 — Catholic schools: If not resolved, contact the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) vcea.catholic.edu.au/complaints
  • Discrimination at any school: Contact the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au

If you think a decision was discriminatory or the school did not follow its own rules, get legal advice quickly — strict time limits apply.


If you need urgent assistance or feel unsafe right now, call 000.

Legal advice: Do you think you may have a legal issue and would like advice? Free and confidential help is available.

Contact:

More support for this topic:

If you need to speak to someone urgently please call:

  • Lifeline (Free 24/7) | 📞 13 11 14 | 💬  Webchat | 📱 Text 0477 131 114
    Crisis support and suicide prevention.
  • Kids Helpline (Free 24/7) | 📞 1800 551 800 | 🌐 kidshelpline.com.au
    Counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
  • 🌈 Rainbow Door (10-5pm every day) | 📞 1800 729 367 | 📱 Text 0480 017 246 | 🌐 rainbowdoor.org.au 
    Free helpline and specialist support service for LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and families.
  • 🖤💛❤️ 13YARN (Free 24/7) | 📞 13 92 76 | 🌐 13yarn.org.au
    Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line developed and run by community in partnership with Lifeline.

Other helpful resources:

  • Ask Izzy | 🌐 askizzy.org.au
    FREE directory to find local housing, food, and support services near you.
  • Quick Help Guide (BAT Force) | 🌐 batforce.org.au/quick-help-guide
    A practical guide connecting you to support for food, housing, mental health, family violence, financial stress and tenancy.
  • YouthNav (Youth Central) | 🌐 youthcentral.vic.gov.au/youthnav
    A life skills and information hub for young people aged 12 to 25 that helps build knowledge, confidence, and independence into adulthood.

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