Guidance on searching pupils

Searching for suspected drugs in school

Where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a pupil has illegal drugs on their person or in their possessions, the headteacher or a member of staff authorised by the headteacher may carry out a search in line with the law and the school’s policy. Illegal drugs are prohibited items under the DfE guidance.

Before any search takes place, staff should consider:

the immediacy of the risk
the safety of pupils and staff
the age, needs, and vulnerabilities of the pupil
whether the DSL or a senior leader should be involved straight away
whether the matter should be dealt with urgently or whether advice should first be sought from the headteacher, DSL, or pastoral lead

DfE guidance says the member of staff should explain to the pupil why they are being searched, how and where the search will take place, and give the pupil the chance to ask questions. Schools should consider whether the pupil has SEND, a disability, a history of trauma, or previous distressing experiences of being searched.

Carrying out a personal search lawfully

Only the headteacher, or a member of staff authorised by the headteacher, can carry out a search. The headteacher should ensure authorised staff are trained and that searching is safe, proportionate, and appropriate.

A lawful search should be carried out:

in a suitable location
by a member of staff of the same sex as the pupil
with another member of staff present as a witness, also of the same sex as the pupil where possible

DfE guidance allows limited exceptions to the same-sex and witness requirement only where the member of staff reasonably believes there is a risk that serious harm will be caused if the search is not carried out immediately, and that it is not reasonably practicable to summon another member of staff.

The search may include:

outer clothing
pockets
bags
lockers, desks, or other school property where appropriate under school rules and policy