Education and Training Act 2020, s 81(5); Education (Stand-Down, Suspension, Exclusion, and Expulsion) Rules 1999, rule 15(3)
The meeting has to happen within seven school days of the suspension. The day that you were suspended isn’t counted.
If you were suspended less than seven school days before the end of term, the meeting must happen within 10 calendar days.
If the board doesn’t meet within the seven (or 10) day time limit, the suspension is over and you can go back to school.
The meeting and decision can’t be delayed, even if everyone agrees to put it off. The meeting can go ahead without you and your family being there, as long as your family were told about it 48 hours’ beforehand.
For example, if you’re told on a Tuesday afternoon that you’re suspended, the Wednesday is the first day that’s counted – even if you don’t get the letter formally notifying you and your family for another few days.