What is bullying? Bullying involves using words or actions to intentionally hurt or upset someone. It can be physical, like pushing or hitting, or verbal, like name-calling. People who are bullied often feel powerless to stop what’s happening to them. Bullying can include all of these things: Name calling and teasing Taunting Mocking Saying mean things in person or online. …
Can I be searched at school
Introduction Schools in England can search and screen pupils and confiscate prohibited items. There is guidance titled Searching, Screening, and Confiscation that sets out the law in this area. What are prohibited items? Prohibited items include: Knives or weapons Alcohol Illegal drugs Stolen items Tobacco and cigarette papers Fireworks Pornographic images Anything that a member of staff reasonably suspects has been, …
Complaints to schools
Schools are required by law to have a complaints procedure which can be found easily. How do I complain about my school? If you are unhappy with how an issue has been dealt with at school, it may be worth talking about this with your parent(s). Either you or your parent(s) can make a complaint to the school following the …
Education in care
What is the Personal Education Plan? If you are in care, either because your parents agreed under S.20 or because of a care order, your local authority will look after your educational needs. They must make sure you have a Personal Education Plan (PEP). This plan sets clear goals for your learning, any activities outside school, and your personal and …
Education records
What is an education record? The meaning of an education record is set out in the Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005. Your education record is a document kept by your school. It includes personal information like your academic achievements, teacher reports, and letters between the school and your parents. Your school will also keep details like your name, address, …
Exclusions and discipline
What is a school exclusion? The following information applies to schools maintained by the local authority and academies. Independent schools have much more discretion to set their own policies around exclusion. Exclusion is a form of punishment that the school can use for bad behaviour. There are two types of exclusion: Suspension: If you receive a suspension, you will be …
Getting extra help in school
If you find school difficult, find it hard to access appropriate education or if you have a disability, you may be able to get extra help at school. You might need support, for example, if you have autism, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, emotional difficulties or difficulties speaking and moving. The duties of schools towards children with special educational needs and disabilities are …
Home education
Can I be educated at home? By law, your parents must make sure you get an education between the ages of 5 and 16. Most parents do this by sending their child to school, but school isn’t the only option. If you and your parents both prefer, you can choose to be home educated instead. It means your parents can …
Medical needs in school
Introduction Schools have a duty under Children and Families Act 2014 to support children with medical needs (such as if you have a condition which requires on-going treatment or medication), so that they are able to attend school and take part in school life. This can include having a plan to help you take your medication at school or having a staff member support …
Mental health in school
What is mental health? Mental health is about how we feel on the inside and how we handle our emotions. As a young person, you are in a period in your life where you go through a lot of changes. You may be facing challenges which are unfamiliar and face pressure inside and outside of school. In just the same …
School attendance and absence
Do I have to go to school? If you’re registered at a school and you’re of compulsory school age (5 to 16), your parents are legally responsible for making sure you get a suitable education. For most people, that means going to school regularly. Your school keeps an attendance register. If you miss school on a certain day, you’ll be marked …
School uniform
Do schools have to have a school uniform? Schools are not legally required to have a uniform, but most of them do. Your school’s governing body decides the uniform policy. There’s government guidance called Developing School Uniform Policy that gives advice on this topic. Do I have to wear a school uniform? If your school has a uniform, you’re expected …
When can I leave school?
At what age can I leave school? You can leave school on the last Friday in June of the school year in which you reach 16 years of age. However, even though you don’t have to stay in school, you must stay in education, training, or employment until you’re 18. What options do I have between 16-18? Between 16-18 you will …
When do I have to go to school?
At what age do I have to go to school? Your parents, by law, must make sure that you are in full-time education from the term after your fifth birthday. This is called compulsory school age. From this age, you must either be in school or receive education other than at school, such as home education. This means: children who will …