Free casework and representation in permanent school exclusion cases.
The City School Exclusion Service (CitySES) supports families navigating permanent school exclusion. Trained postgraduate law students undertake casework and representation under the supervision of qualified solicitors and barristers.
The service combines access to justice with practical legal education, giving students the opportunity to develop client care, case preparation and advocacy skills through real work.
What we can help with
Subject to eligibility and capacity, CitySES can provide assistance in the permanent exclusion process, including:
- preparing for and representing a parent or carer at a Governing Board meeting reviewing a permanent exclusion
- preparing for and representing a parent or carer at an Independent Review Panel (IRP).
CitySES is a focused permanent-exclusion service. It does not provide general education law or SEND advice and does not conduct litigation or represent clients in tribunal proceedings.
How to request help
If your child has been permanently excluded, complete the CitySES online enquiry form as soon as possible and provide the date of any Governing Board or Independent Review Panel hearing. Exclusion deadlines can be short, and we cannot accept every case that is referred to us.
We will consider the details of the case, the hearing timetable, conflicts and available supervision before confirming whether we can help. If we cannot take the matter on, we will try to provide appropriate referral information.
What students do
CitySES is a postgraduate opportunity. Trained Student Representatives work on real cases and may:
- take instructions and maintain contact with the parent or carer
- review exclusion documents and the school’s evidence
- research relevant law, guidance and procedure
- help identify the issues and develop the case
- prepare written submissions and hearing materials
- undertake advocacy at Governing Board meetings and Independent Review Panels, where appropriate.
Student Representatives work under professional supervision throughout the case.
Supervision
Cases are supervised by qualified lawyers. Each client is told who is supervising their matter and who has responsibility for the work. Students are trained but are not professionally qualified.
When the service operates
CitySES operates during the academic year and closes during parts of the summer and University closure periods. Current opening arrangements should be displayed on the enquiry page and automatically updated when the service is closed.
If we cannot help
If your case falls outside our remit or we do not have capacity, you may wish to seek help from an education law specialist or use reputable exclusion resources. Coram Children’s Legal Centre’s School Exclusions Hub is a useful source of information for parents and professionals.
Client care, privacy and complaints
Before we begin work, clients receive information explaining the scope of the service and the terms on which assistance is provided. Personal data is handled in accordance with the LawIRL Privacy Notice. Complaints and compliments are dealt with under the LawIRL Complaints and Compliments Policy.
BUTTON: Read the LawIRL Privacy Notice
BUTTON: Read the LawIRL Complaints and Compliments Policy