Disciplinary and Expulsion

At the Irish College of English, we are committed to fostering a respectful, supportive, and inclusive environment. All students are required to adhere to our Student Code of Conduct, which promotes respectful behaviour in all areas of school and camp life, including classrooms, on and off-site activities, accommodation, and during excursions. This code which can be found here in the Student Handbook and promotes the safety, wellbeing, and positive experience of all students, staff, hosts and local community. 

Key codes:

Students are expected to:

• Treat peers, staff, and host families with respect.
• Follow instructions from teachers, activity leaders, and accommodation providers.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and college policies at all times.
• Respect the property of others and the environment.

We strive to guide students in maintaining these standards through clear communication and positive reinforcement. However, unacceptable behaviour will be addressed promptly and appropriately.

Our Disciplinary and Expulsion Policy ensures that all members of our community are treated fairly and that inappropriate behaviour is addressed promptly and effectively. Regular reviews of this policy guarantee its alignment with our commitment to maintaining a positive learning environment. At the Irish College of English, we believe in fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and accountability, and this policy reflects our dedication to upholding these principles.

Procedures for Addressing Unacceptable Behaviour

Initial Intervention:

Minor incidents will be addressed through verbal or written warnings, with clear instructions for corrective behaviour.

For junior students, parents/guardians may be informed at this stage.

Escalation:

Repeated or serious breaches of the code will result in a formal review by the school’s Senior Management team or members of the team as available.

Consequences may include a warning, restrictions on activities, changes in accommodation, or temporary suspension and will be communicated promptly to the student, along with the teams reasoning.

If behaviour continues expulsion will follow.

Immediate Expulsion:

Severe misconduct, such as endangering others, theft, bullying, or drug/alcohol abuse, may result in immediate expulsion.

Continued breaches of what is deemed unacceptable behaviour following or after an initial warning from a member of staff/group own leader.

Junior students must be collected promptly by their parent/guardian or a designated representative, or flights arranged home as required.

Adult students are required to vacate their accommodation and make alternative arrangements immediately.

Serious breaches of conduct, particularly those involving illegal activity, may involve external authorities when necessary.

Absenteeism and Expulsion for Students on AYP Programmes

Class Schedule and Attendance:

• Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday from 9.15 am to 12.30 pm.
• Attendance is taken daily in class.
• Students must arrive on time and attend the full class to be marked as present.

Minimum Attendance Requirement:

• There is a mandatory minimum attendance requirement of 85%.

Reporting to Immigration Service:

• A weekly attendance report is sent to the immigration service.
• If a student has 25% or more uncertified absence in the first six weeks, this information will be communicated to INIS/GNIB.
• If a student cannot make up attendance to a minimum of 85% before the program ends, the student will be informed that they do not meet the attendance requirements.
• This fact will be communicated to the immigration service.

No Mechanism for Making Up Uncertified Absences:

• No mechanism is permitted for students to make up uncertified absences through additional classes, either during or after the end of the program.

Final Attendance Letter:

• A letter confirming final attendance will be issued at the end of the course.

Absenteeism and Expulsion

Attendance Warning System:

• Attendance is monitored weekly, and students falling below 75% attendance will receive a warning email.
• After the first warning, if a student’s attendance does not improve, a second warning will be issued, and a meeting with the school’s administration will be scheduled.
• Continuous failure to meet the attendance requirements will result in a final warning, and the student may be reported to INIS/GNIB and removed from the ILEP programme.
• This decision will be at the discretion of the Operations Manager, Ian McElhinney.

Expulsion Consequences:

• Failure to improve attendance to an acceptable level will result in expulsion from the ILEP program.
• Consequences include no certificate, no refunds, and notification to INIS (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service).

Excused Absences

• Definition of Excused Absences:
  • Absences may be excused in the case of:
    • Illness, Serious illness, Bereavement of a family member

Notification and Supporting Documentation

• Students must notify the college by email in case of excused absences.
• Supporting documentation will be requested and assessed.

Acceptable Supporting Documentation:

• Illness: Medical certificate
• Serious illness of a family member: Medical certificate
• Bereavement: Evidence of bereavement.

Appeals Process

Students and, for juniors, their parents/guardians, may appeal a decision following an expulsion. The appeals process includes:

Submitting a written appeal to the college director within 5 working days of the expulsion.

The Board of Directors will assess the appeal, considering all relevant information.

A decision will be communicated within 7 working days of the appeal submission.

The decision of the Board of Directors is final.