New Bill to improve school discipline

27th January 2011

Michael Gove has published the Education Bill today, which he says will "restore discipline and reduce bureaucracy" in schools.

The Bill contains measures that will hand greater powers to teachers to search or expel unruly pupils while also giving them greater protection against unfounded allegations.

The education secretary said: "Under the last government, thousands of great people left the teaching profession because behaviour was out of control and they were forced to spend far too much time on paperwork.

"That's why we're taking action to restore discipline and reduce bureaucracy. Teachers will be free to impose the penalties they need to keep order. And free from the red tape which swallows up teaching time. So they can get on with their first duty - raising standards."

Under the plans a number of education bodies are also expected to be thrown onto the bonfire of the quangos, including the the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) and the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA).

Gove has already announced his intention to introduce an English Baccalaureate based on students achievements at GCSE in English, maths, science, a humanities subject and a foreign language along with a change the way schools are judged on their performance.

The Bill also includes a clause to make higher-earning graduates pay a higher interest rate on their student loans.

It is the second piece of education legislation introduced by the coalition government since taking office last May.

The Academies Bill, rushed through last summer, paved the way for groups of parents, teachers and charities to set up their own "free schools" and for the expansion of the academies programme.

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