This article is based on the DfE's updated statutory school suspensions and permanent exclusions guidance in force from 26 July 2026.
Please note: Where we've used the term 'parent', this refers to both parents and carers.
Off-site directions Managed moves A time-limited placement into alternative provision (AP), that a pupil is required to attend to improve their behaviour. A permanent transfer of a pupil to another mainstream school. The governing board is responsible for arranging off-site directions (e.g. the governing body of a maintained school/proprietor in a trust) They're voluntary, and should be agreed with all parties involved. The pupil must be recorded in the admission register using code D (dual registered). The pupil should be deleted from the original school's admission register, and added to the new one. The placement can end with either: A planned return to school Transition to a post-16 destination An agreed managed move to a new school The move is complete when the pupil