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Off-rolling: how to identify and prevent it

Ofsted looks for evidence of off-rolling in schools. Find out what counts as off-rolling, and the measures your board can put in place to hold your leaders to account and prevent off-rolling in your school.

Last reviewed on 20 April 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 34789
Contents
  1. What is off-rolling?
  2. Scenarios: what counts as off-rolling and what doesn't?
  3. Off-rolling can be viewed as an inclusion issue
  4. Ofsted inspectors will look out for off-rolling
  5. Off-rolling can be viewed as an inclusion issue
  6. Use these tips to prevent off-rolling in your school
  7. What to do if you suspect off-rolling

What is off-rolling?

Off-rolling is when a pupil is unlawfully removed from the school register. 

Ofsted's definition

In its inspection information for state-funded schools, Ofsted defines off-rolling as: 

  • Removing a pupil from the school roll or preventing them from attending school normally without a formal, permanent exclusion or formal suspension, such as by:
    • Moving the pupil to alternative provision, when it's not in the pupil's best interests
    • Intentionally not following regulations when carrying out a permanent exclusion
    • Sending the pupil home
    • Placing the pupil on a part-time timetable
  • Placing pressure on a parent to remove their child from the school roll
  • Placing pressure on a post-16 student not to continue with their studies

And:

  • When the decision is made primarily in the interests of the school and not the pupil

The DfE's stance on unlawful exclusions and off-rolling

The exclusion is