Guidance

Behaviour in schools

How school staff can develop a behaviour policy.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This guidance is for:

  • multi-academy trusts
  • trust boards and proprietors
  • governing bodies
  • school leaders and staff
  • local authorities

It applies to all:

  • maintained schools
  • academies
  • free schools
  • non-maintained special schools
  • independent schools

You should use this document, and the further guidance and resources provided, to promote good behaviour in school.

Read it alongside:

Published 16 July 2013
Last updated 19 February 2024 + show all updates
  1. Updated the section on mobile phones in ‘Behaviour in schools: advice for headteachers and school staff’.

  2. Updated the ‘Details’ section of the page to make it clear that the guidance also applies to independent schools. There are no changes to the guidance.

  3. Updated paragraph 58 in the section about responding to the behaviour of pupils with SEND in the guidance for use from 1 September 2022. Removed the guidance that was for use until 31 August 2022.

  4. Updated with 'Behaviour in schools: advice for headteachers and school staff 2022'.

  5. First published.