Ofsted investigates illegal schools taking in excluded pupils

162 suspected illegal schools were investigated by Ofsted last year.

32 of these ‘schools’ were run by charities or businesses attended by children that were excluded from school, or at risk of exclusion.

The others were either in Christian, Muslim and ultra-orthodox Jewish communities, or non-religious centres set up by home-educating parents.

Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said schools must take more care of pupils sent to unregistered "alternative" establishments.

The BBC shadowed reporters as they investigated a number of unregistered schools.

The investigation found one alternative provision centre charging £25,000 a year for each child placed by a school. Another was using the public bar of a golf club as a classroom for teenagers. Others were found to have unqualified teachers, and unsuitable and unhygienic premises.

Independent schools offering full-time education in England must register with the Department for Education and accept inspection by Ofsted. Failure to register a school attracts a maximum six-month jail sentence and £5,000 fine.

The inspectors are gathering evidence on their visits that could be used for the first prosecution of an illegal school.