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How to use behaviour sanctions

Get to grips with the rules around behaviour sanctions. Learn when and how you can and can't use them, and specific rules for certain sanctions like detentions.

Last reviewed on 26 February 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 5698
Contents
  1. All sanctions must be 'lawful'
  2. Sanctions should be set out in your behaviour policy, and staff should follow this
  3. Make sure your sanctions don't discriminate
  4. Sanctioning pupils with SEND
  5. Maintain confidentiality after giving a sanction
  6. Additional rules for some types of sanctions 
  7. Restrictive intervention: safety measure, not sanction

All sanctions must be 'lawful'

A sanction is an action you take in response to misbehaviour – for example: a verbal warning, a letter or phone call home, removal from a classroom or a detention.

For a sanction to be considered lawful, it must: 

  • Not breach any other legislation (for example, you must comply with the Equality Act 2010)
  • Be reasonable and proportionate – you must take into account any relevant special circumstances, including the pupil's age, any special educational needs or disability (SEND) they have, and any relevant religious requirements 
  • Be decided on by a member of school staff or a member of staff authorised by the headteacher (for example, an adult volunteer)
  • Be awarded on your school premises or while the pupil is under the lawful charge of a member of staff – for example, on a school trip

You’ll usually sanction pupils for behaviour on school premises, but