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Pupil referral unit

A type of school run by the local authority for children who cannot attend a mainstream or special school, for example after a permanent exclusion.

Also called
PRU
Used in
England, Wales
Topic
Types of school

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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Alternative provision (AP) England
Education arranged for pupils who cannot attend mainstream school, for example because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, often in a pupil referral unit or AP academy. In England AP is the usual abbreviation; do not confuse with US Advanced Placement.
Permanent exclusion England Wales
Removing a pupil from a school's roll permanently because of serious or persistent breaches of the behaviour policy. Often called being expelled.

More terms: Types of school

Maintained school · Middle school (UK) · Public school (UK) · Sixth form college · Studio school · Trust school

More terms starting with P · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.