Exploring the issue
Off-rolling refers to the practice of removing a student from the school's register without a permanent exclusion when it is done primarily for the benefit of the school rather than the student's best interests. It includes coercing parents to withdraw their child from the school register.
Some schools are pressuring parents to move their children to another school or opt for home education, citing off-rolling as the reason. This practice is illegal and should not be happening. Schools are obligated to follow a formal exclusion process, rather than seeking to avoid it.
We are aware of the increase in “off-rolling and cherry-picking” by schools. This activity can have a massive impact on a young person's education prospects and their overall mental health. However, it is incredibly difficult to prove. We have successfully worked with several families to gather evidence to take action.
