Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of behaviour policy and practice in Northern Ireland’s schools. The review is expected to produce a new departmental behaviour policy and updated practical guidance for schools by January 2027.

The review will examine the Department of Education’s existing behaviour policy and seek to strengthen support for schools dealing with complex behavioural challenges. It will include engagement with schools and stakeholders, a formal call for evidence, and school visits. The aim is to identify effective and scalable approaches to behaviour management.

Tom Bennett, a former teacher who previously served as Independent Behaviour Adviser to the Department for Education in England, has been appointed to provide independent advice for the review. He will draw on international best practice to inform the new guidance.

Minister Givan said that safe, calm and purposeful learning environments are essential for children and young people to succeed. He noted that increasingly complex behaviour is placing significant pressure on teachers and school leaders, adding to their workload and reducing time for teaching and learning. The review, he added, will help ensure that the approach to behaviour is clear, consistent and evidence-based, while giving teachers practical classroom support.

The review will begin in summer 2026 and is expected to conclude in January 2027, when the updated policy and guidance will be published.