Brenna Cooper
Here is what the procedure of 'off-rolling' means as former Educating Manchester teachers were banned from teaching over the offence.
Earlier today, it was confirmed that headteacher Drew Povey and assistant headteacher Ross Povey had been handed an indefinite ban from teaching following an investigation led by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).
The brothers will be recognisable from their appearance on the fifth and sixth instalments of the Channel 4 documentary series Educating... which gave viewers an sight into the day-to-day life at various secondary schools around the UK.
The season which Drew and Ross featured in took place at Harrop Fold school (now called The Lowry Academy).
Advert
Following the successful fifth series, the broadcaster commissioned a second outing at the Greater Manchester school - however, filming was ultimately cut short after Drew resigned from his role as headteacher following allegations of 'off-rolling' students by the TRA.
According to school inspector's board Ofsted, 'off-rolling' is the practice of 'removing a pupil from the school roll without using a permanent exclusion'.
The practice is controversial as the pupil - who could be struggling or from a disadvantaged background - are removed on the best interests of the school rather than for their own welfare.
Advert
Parents are sometimes also pressured into pulling their child from the school. Off-rolling is typically practiced by poorly performing schools, with the goal of improving exam results.
According to further guidelines by Ofsted, concerns regarding potential off-rolling are monitored by the amount of pupils in Year 10 and 11 leaving the school prior to taking their exams.
The guidance added that while off-rolling is not always illegal, it is a practice which is strongly discouraged by the school inspectors.
In the case of the Povey brothers, the pair were accused of 'failing to maintain and/or ensure that staff maintained accurate records in respect of pupil attendance on one or more occasions' as well as causing/permitting/failing to 'prevent the off rolling of one or more pupils' and 'failing to protect pupil(s) from the risk of potential harm'.
Advert
Drew denied all allegations brought against him, while Ross made 'no admissions of the allegations or as to unacceptable professional conduct'.
Following the conclusion of the panel, it was revealed that Ross was cleared of the allegation he had been amending pupil attendance data, however, every other charge against him was upheld.
The brothers have both been banned from teaching indefinitely, which means they are not allowed to work in any school, sixth form, children's home or youth accommodation.
However, the brothers are eligible to apply for the ruling to be lifted from 30 October, 2026.