1. The principal decides to either:

• exclude the student
• expel the student.

2. If the student is excluded:

• the principal is required to arrange for the student to attend another school (Section 81(6))
• the principal then consults with:
  • the student
  • the student’s parents or caregivers (using model letter template letter 3).
• the principal must immediately notify the Ministry of Education using ENROL
• the principal asks reasonably convenient and suitable schools to accept the student within 10 days (section 81(7)).

If placement is successful, the:

• student enrols at the new school
• principal of the excluding school removes the student’s name from the school register (section 86(1))
• principal of the excluding school informs the Ministry of Education of the placement details.

If placement is unsuccessful, the:

• principal informs the Ministry of Education of the steps taken to try and place the student (section 81(7)). (All reasonable efforts to facilitate a new enrolment must be taken.)
• Ministry of Education arranges the student’s placement (section 82)
• student remains on the school roll (section 86(1)), and the principal continues to provide access to guidance and counselling and an appropriate educational programme until student enrols elsewhere.

3. If the student is expelled

• Student is reminded that assistance is available from the Ministry of Education.
• The principal immediately notifies the Ministry of Education using ENROL.
• The student’s name is removed from the school roll.