Searching pupils3

School staff can search pupils with their consent4 for any item which is banned by the school rules.

Headteachers and staff authorised by the headteacher have the power to search pupils or their possessions, without consent, where they suspect the pupil has a prohibited item.

Prohibited items are:

  • knives and weapons
  • alcohol
  • illegal drugs
  • stolen items
  • tobacco and cigarette papers
  • fireworks
  • pornographic images
  • any article that has been or is likely to be used to commit an offence, cause personal injury or damage to property
  • any item banned by the school rules which has been identified in the rules as an item which may be searched for.  



3 Applies to all maintained schools, academies and Free Schools.
4 The ability to give consent may be influenced by the child's age or other factors.