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Improving behaviour: off-site direction and managed moves

Support pupils to improve their behaviour and prevent permanent exclusion. Understand what off-site directions and managed moves are, and when and how to use these interventions effectively.

Updated
on 19 June 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 6896
Contents
  1. What are off-site directions and managed moves?
  2. Off-site directions and managed moves are planned interventions
  3. How to direct pupils off-site
  4. How to make a managed move

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.  

What are off-site directions and managed moves?

Off-site directions

Managed moves

When a pupil is required to attend another setting temporarily, to improve their behaviour. 

A permanent transfer of a pupil to another mainstream school. 

The governing board directs the pupil off-site (i.e. the governing body of a maintained school or academy trust of an academy).

They're voluntary, and should be agreed with all parties involved.

The pupil is dual registered (using code D).

The pupil is single registered (deleted from the original school's 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 is registered in the new school.