📚 Can Teachers Defend Themselves Against Violent Pupils?
Violence in UK schools is rising fast.
According to recent reports, teachers are facing increased abuse, threats, and physical attacks from pupils, some of whom are under the age of criminal responsibility.
This leads to one pressing legal and ethical question: “Are teachers allowed to defend themselves from violent children?”
🎥 The Law, Explained Clearly (Video Insight)
In a powerful and still-relevant video created by Mark Dawes, former Director of NFPS Ltd, the issue of using self-defence against minors is tackled head-on.
Mark clarifies that age is not a barrier when it comes to the right to self-defence.
The law does not differentiate between a violent adult or a violent child when it comes to protecting oneself from harm.
✅ Key point: A child may not be prosecuted under the age of 10, but you can still defend yourself lawfully if attacked.
There’s also the audio version here if you’d prefer that too.
🚨 Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
A 2025 report from ITV News revealed a sharp increase in violence against school staff – https://www.itv.com/news/2025-04-18/violence-and-abuse-by-students-against-teachers-is-on-the-rise-union-warns
Teaching unions are sounding the alarm, because teachers are being kicked, punched, spat on, and emotionally abused at record levels.
And yet, many teachers still fear the backlash of defending themselves, worried about disciplinary action, media scrutiny, or even criminal investigation.
This fear stems largely from a lack of proper training and legal understanding.
⚖️ The Legal Position: What You’re Entitled To Do
Under UK common law and the Criminal Law Act 1967, any person – including a teacher – can use reasonable force to:
-
Protect themselves from injury
-
Prevent a crime
-
Defend others from harm
This applies regardless of the child’s age. The test is not how old the aggressor is, but whether the response is reasonable and proportionate to the threat.
📉 The Problem with Current School Training
Many schools do not provide adequate or legally accurate training on this subject. This lack of preparation:
-
Leaves teachers vulnerable
-
Increases the risk of injury to both staff and pupils
-
Creates a culture of silence and fear, rather than safety and professionalism
🎓 Want to Know Your Legal Rights & How to Stay Safe?
This is exactly why we created the: BTEC Level 3 Self-Defence Trainer Award Course
This accredited course teaches you:
-
What the law really says
-
How to risk-assess violence legally and safely
-
When and how to use reasonable force without crossing legal lines
-
How to teach others to do the same
📌 Whether you’re a teacher, instructor, or school leader, this course could empower you—and your team—with the confidence and clarity to act legally and safely.
🗣️ Final Word
Ignoring this issue won’t make it go away.
Teachers are on the frontline.
And with rising violence in schools, it’s time we had a real conversation, grounded in law, not fear.
Don’t wait for policy to catch up. Arm yourself with knowledge, training, and confidence now.
👉 Check out the Self-Defence Trainer Course and book your FREE 30-Minute Strategy Call Now!
If You’re a Teacher Here’s What You Can Do
If you are a one of those teaching staff worried and anxious about what you can do simply drop me an email at [email protected], or contact us via our contact us form here – https://nfps.info/contact-nfps/.
We can arrange for you to attend our BTEC Level 3 Self-Defence Instructor Award Course so you can go back armed with the right information and skills to teach you colleagues.
What are you waiting for?
Contact me today!