Teachers, parents and pupils urged to speak out on behaviour in NI schools
Tuesday 15 September 2026
Teachers, parents and pupils across Northern Ireland are being asked to share their experiences of behaviour, disruption and safety in schools as part of a review that will shape new government policy.
Education Minister Paul Givan has launched a Call for Evidence seeking views on the scale of behaviour problems, their impact on learning and staff wellbeing, and what schools need to improve standards.
The exercise forms part of the Department of Education’s review of behaviour policy and practice, which is being taken forward by behaviour adviser Tom Bennett OBE. Its findings will help inform a new behaviour policy and updated guidance for schools.
Concerns over classroom disruption
Launching the Call for Evidence, Mr Givan said he had heard directly from teachers and school leaders that managing behaviour was becoming increasingly challenging in some classrooms.
“Every child deserves to learn in a safe, calm and orderly classroom where they can achieve their full potential and every teacher deserves to be able to teach without ongoing disruption.
“While many schools have high standards of behaviour, I have heard directly from teachers and school leaders that managing behaviour is becoming increasingly challenging in some classrooms.
“We cannot ignore those concerns. Poor behaviour affects learning, places additional pressure on teachers and can have an impact on the wellbeing of both staff and pupils.”
Teachers are being asked about their experiences of issues including lesson disruption and the impact of behaviour on their wellbeing, confidence and safety.
Post-primary pupils will also be surveyed about disruption, bullying, behaviour and whether they feel safe at school.
Parents and school leaders invited to contribute
Alongside the teacher and pupil surveys, the wider Call for Evidence is seeking contributions from parents, school leaders, academics and education organisations.
The Department says it wants to build a comprehensive picture of behaviour, disruption and safety across Northern Ireland’s schools, including the factors influencing behaviour and examples of approaches that are working effectively.
Mr Givan said:
“I want to hear directly from those who experience behaviour issues in the classroom, whether that is teachers, pupils, parents or school leaders. I want to know what works well and what issues exist.
“The information gathered will help us identify what is working well, where support is needed and what practical steps can be taken to strengthen behaviour standards.”
Evidence will shape new schools policy
The review will examine the nature and scale of behaviour issues facing schools, their impact on teaching and learning, factors that may be contributing to problems and potential solutions.
Responses gathered through the exercise will feed into the current review and the development of a new behaviour policy and updated guidance, giving those working and learning in schools an opportunity to influence the Department’s future approach.
The Call for Evidence opens on Monday 15 September and closes on Tuesday 6 October 2026. Further information, including details on how to participate, is available here.
