Staff in the research say that disruption caused by poor behaviour is currently worse than pre-pandemic levels and there are concerns that poor behaviour is becoming a key factor driving teacher resignations.
The study, which has been published by Edurio, sought feedback from students, school staff and parents during the 2022/23 academic year. It includes the views of around 49,000 school staff as well as 78,000 students, the majority of whom are in key stages 3 and 4.
It finds that 42% of students report experiencing disruption in their lessons and learning due to poor behaviour.
And some of the school staff in the study have significant concerns about behaviour, with 11% reporting that disruption to their lessons is a constant problem while a further 26% say that they “often” have classroom disruption due to poor behaviour.
Furthermore, 20% of the staff said they had experienced emotional or physical violence, such as bullying and threats, from students in the previous three months; 7% said they had experienced such violence or threats from students’ family members.
Worryingly, 25% of the respondents said it was either difficult or very difficult to get support with student behaviour in their school.
The survey also found that 15% of the students had been bullied in some way in the last three months (emotionally, physically or online).
The research reveals that the number of staff considering resigning is now at a five-year survey record high, with 43% of all staff admitting that they considered resigning “sometimes”, “often” or “constantly” during the 2022/23 academic year.
The report warns that student behaviour was the fourth most cited reason for those considering resignation. Other issues include workload, feeling undervalued, low staff morale, and a poor work/life balance.
In the student survey, 92% said that they feel they are well behaved in class. Those reporting less favourable behaviour were more likely to express dissatisfaction with their school experience.
The report concludes: “It is clear from the data reviewed in this report that behaviour is an on-going challenge and one that has the potential to impact the wellbeing, educational quality, and safety of those within the English school system. It is evident that monitoring this behaviour in English schools should be a priority for school and trust leaders over the coming years.”
- You can download the Behaviour in Schools Report via https://home.edurio.com/insights/behaviour-in-schools-report-2024