Help and adviceCan I refuse to teach a disruptive pupil or student?
You cannot refuse to teach a disruptive pupil or student. Teachers and lecturers have no formal right to refuse to teach; to do so is, strictly speaking, industrial action (which is subject to detailed rules on balloting, notice etc). For more details on industrial action, see the industrial action pages of this website.
Refusal to teach is therefore an 'industrial action'; a weapon to be used only as a last resort – with careful advice from ATL. A headteacher/principal has the power to exclude violent or seriously disruptive students either for a fixed period, or permanently (subject to the student’s right to appeal).
Responding to difficult or disruptive behaviour is a challenge for all teachers. ATL can always help with strategies and suggestions that may help.
- See What can I do about difficult behaviour in my classroom?
- Order a copy of ATL's free publication for members, Managing challenging behaviour
- Go on a free ATL training course, Managing challenging behaviour.
Remember, you can also talk to you rep, your branch secretary, or seek advice from ATL staff in London, Belfast or Cardiff - see the contacts page for more details. If necessary, you can also call ATL's stress, crisis or legal helpline.