What the law allows

19. Teachers have a statutory power to discipline pupils for misbehaving outside of the school premises. Section 89(5) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 gives head teachers a specific statutory power to regulate pupils’ behaviour in these circumstances "to such extent as is reasonable."

20. The school’s behaviour policy should set out what the school will do in response to all non-criminal bad behaviour and bullying which occurs anywhere off the school premises and which is witnessed by a staff member or reported to the school, including the punishments that will be imposed on pupils.

21. Subject to the school’s behaviour policy, the teacher may discipline a pupil for:

  • any misbehaviour when the child is:
    • taking part in any school-organised or school-related activity or
    • travelling to or from school or
    • wearing school uniform or
    • in some other way identifiable as a pupil at the school.
  • or misbehaviour at any time, whether or not the conditions above apply, that:
    • could have repercussions for the orderly running of the school or
    • poses a threat to another pupil or member of the public or
    • could adversely affect the reputation of the school.