The top 7 behaviour management strategies for secondary schools
According to recent surveys, behaviour has overtaken workload as a top concern for schools, with teachers reporting increasing behavioural challenges since returning to schools after the pandemic. But with workload still a problem and more teachers experiencing stress and burnout, what can be done?
Why behaviour management strategies are needed in secondary schools
Persistent disruptive behaviour is the most common reason for suspensions and exclusions, according to recently published from the Department for Education (DfE). In fact, suspensions were up 12% in the spring term of 2024 vs the previous year and almost doubled from the spring term in 2019.
These figures come alongside warnings of a rise in challenging behaviour following the pandemic including:
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Female teachers experiencing verbal abuse several times a week
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Teachers being punched, kicked and spat at by pupils
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Social media being ‘weaponised’ against pupils, schools and teachers
This is just a few (perhaps extreme) examples of challenging behaviour in secondary schools but are prime cases of why effective behaviour management strategies in secondary schools are essential.
How to create an effective behaviour management strategy for secondary schools
Behaviour management is a key priority for schools across the country but to properly get a handle on behaviour, an effective behaviour management policy is essential. Your policy should reflect the unique behaviours and needs of your school, but should serve the following functions:
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Set expectations
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Promote consistency
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Support positive behaviour
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Provide a framework for discipline
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Outline consistent consequences
Learn more about how to create the perfect behaviour management policy for your school with our free guide.
The top 7 behaviour management strategies for secondary schools
Establish behaviour expectations around low-level disruption
Low-level disruption can take up to an hour of teaching time every day (38 days over the course of a year), meaning that students and teachers miss out on 20% of teaching time as a result. Ofsted recommends establishing strict behaviour expectations around low-level disruptions, highlighting clear consequences.
Consistently enforce consequences
Students need to see that actions have consequences and that teachers actually follow through with them. Consequences should be fair, consistent and also aligned with the school’s behaviour policy.
Build relationships
Getting to know students and showing an interest in their lives can help to build stronger relationships that foster respect and trust. This will go a long way towards encouraging students to behave in a particular way.
Act on primary behaviours before secondary behaviours
Say a student disrupts the class and is sent out of the room as punishment. As they walk out, they slam the door shut. The disruptive behaviour is the primary behaviour here, whilst the door slamming is the secondary behaviour. It’s important to focus on the primary behaviour so that students understand what they are actually being reprimanded for.
Catch them being good
Children are motivated by attention and praise. It doesn’t have to be formal, public or take a lot of time. Teachers can simply “catch” students acting in a positive manner and reward them with praise. Thus, encouraging positive behaviours.
Teach positive behaviours
Teach students positive behaviours such as:
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Social skills like being respectful, working in groups and resolving disputes
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Emotional regulation – identifying and managing their emotions
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Problem solving – building creative thinking, resilience and independence
This will help students to better understand appropriate behaviours in different circumstances and set them up for further education and working life.
Foster a positive learning environment
Create a classroom where students feel valued, respected and understood. Respect is a two-way street and treating students as such will go a long way in encouraging positive behaviour.
Try Tes Class Charts for effective behaviour management in secondary schools
Class Charts by Tes is smart, yet easy to use behaviour management software that makes it easier for teachers to keep on top of classroom behaviour and focus more time on what really matters – pupil success.
Featuring simple tools to give rewards, manage behaviour and even optimise seating plans, Class Charts helps schools create a positive learning environment that helps pupils to reach their full potential.
Download our free guide today to learn more about Class Charts and how it can help manage behaviour at your school.