Written statement of behaviour principles: model and examples

Some schools are required to have a written statement of behaviour principles, alongside their behaviour policy. Find out the requirements, then download our model and adapt it to suit your context. See examples of written statements from other schools and a trust.

Last reviewed on 30 August 2024See updates
Ref: 38441
Statutory/mandatory for:
Maintained schools
Pupil referral units
Non-maintained special schools
Contents
  1. Requirements
  2. Model statement of behaviour principles
  3. School/trust examples

Requirements

You're required to have a written statement of behaviour principles if you're a:

  • Maintained school
  • Pupil referral unit (PRU)
  • Non-maintained special school
  • Non-maintained nursery school

Your headteacher must have regard to the written statement when determining the school's behaviour policy. This is a requirement under section 88 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006.

Academies and free schools aren't required to have a written statement of behaviour principles, although it's recommended that they do.

All schools must have a behaviour policy

Model statement of behaviour principles

We've created a model statement of behaviour principles. 

Approved by Forbes Solicitors, all our model documents take account of relevant requirements and good practice.

Download: model written statement of behaviour principles DOCX, 1.2 MB
Download

Your statement can be published as part of your behaviour policy 

However, it can be part of the same document. See appendix 1 of our model behaviour