What exactly do the terms mean?

Stand-down. The Principal formally removes the student from school for a set period (not more than five school days in a term, or ten school days in a year). The student can return to school on the date stated in the Principal's letter. If your son or daughter gets a stand-down, you don't have to enrol them at another school. However, if you want to do so, a state school can't refuse to accept them, unless you live outside the school zone.

Suspension. The Principal formally removes the student from school until the Board of Trustees decides what to do. As with a stand-down, there's no need to enrol your teenager elsewhere. If you want to do so, another state school can't refuse them because of the suspension – though you might want to tell them what's happened.

Exclusion. This is for students aged under 16. The student is removed and must enrol at another school. If this happens, the local Ministry of Education office will work with you and your child.

Expulsion. This is for students aged 16 and over. The student is removed from school but may seek permission to enrol elsewhere. If your teenager is expelled, the Boards of other state schools can refuse to accept them. The Ministry may help in finding another school.