Principals and traumatised students will have a much greater say in expulsions following a series of controversial rulings that have allowed misbehaving children to remain at Victorian schools.

The Andrews government has announced it is overhauling the expulsions process, including the way appeals take place.

For the first time, principals will have a say at appeal hearings and students will be able to give evidence about how the behaviour of expelled student has affected them.

The government will overhaul expulsions in Victoria

It is understood that if parties are unhappy with the ruling they can then take their concerns to a new independent panel, which will have the final say.