This is an establishment maintained by a local authority which is specifically organised to provide education for children who are excluded, sick, or otherwise unable to attend a mainstream or special maintained school. There were 422 pupil referral units on 15 July 2011.
All PRUs have a Teacher in Charge, similar to a mainstream school's headteacher, and a management committee, which acts like a school's governing body. Since 1 February 2008, all PRUs must have a management committee established according to regulations and guidance.
Reserved provision is not subject to school organisation legislation. PRUs may also be referred to as alternative provision.
