Off-rolling: how to identify and prevent it

Ofsted will look for evidence of 'off-rolling'. Find out what it is, how you can guard against it and what to do if you think it has happened.

Updated
on 2 July 2026
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Contents
  1. What is off-rolling?
  2. What counts as off-rolling or unlawful exclusion?
  3. Ofsted inspectors will look out for off-rolling
  4. Off-rolling can be viewed as an inclusion issue
  5. Tips to help prevent off-rolling
  6. How to address any off-rolling concerns

What is off-rolling?

Off-rolling is using unlawful means to remove a pupil from a school roll. It will be considered during an Ofsted inspection. 

Ofsted's operating guide explains that if inspectors were to find evidence of off-rolling, they'd likely grade the leadership and governance evaluation area as 'urgent improvement.'

Ofsted's definition

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 (AP), when it's not in the pupil's best interests Intentionally not following regulations when carrying out a permanent exclusion/removing a pupil from the school roll Sending the pupil home (regardless of whether it occurs with the agreement of parents/carers) Placing the pupil on a part-time timetable for behavioural reasons Intentional Placing pressure on a parent to remove their child from the school roll Placing