The Department for Education is seeking to recruit 20 schools with “exemplary behaviour records” in order to help around 500 other schools which are struggling with behaviour management.
The schools, once identified, will share in a pot of £10m, set aside to pay for their time and manpower.
Secondary schools wishing to take part will need above-average Progress 8 and Attainment 8 scores, while primaries will need to show above-average progress for reading, writing and maths. The DfE also says schools working in areas of disadvantage will be given preference.
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The schools, which will be spread across the country, will be supported by a seven-strong team of “renowned behaviour experts,” says the DfE.
They will help schools needing to change a culture of poor behaviour by, for example, introducing mobile phone bans and exploring ways to deescalate conflict.
Education secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Pupils learn best in an environment where there are no excuses for bad behaviour and high expectations are set for all pupils. Poor discipline disrupts lessons, holds children back and has a profound effect on teachers.
“All over the country we see examples of schools with great behaviour cultures achieving incredible things for their pupils - as we level up standards in our schools, I want that to be the norm.
Selected lead schools would also need a track record of “running great behaviour, particularly in challenging circumstances,” the DfE’s behaviour adviser Tom Bennett told Tes last year.
Mr Bennett, who is leading the programme, said: “Good behaviour is central to everything we want to achieve for students. It’s the difference between safe, calm schools where students and staff can flourish and learn, and schools where students endure disruption or worse.
“There are some incredible schools out there making miracles happen every day, but many schools who, often through no fault of their own, face huge challenges getting there. Behaviour hubs will support these schools with the schools who know how to turn things around.
The seven-strong team will also include current and former headteachers and school leaders with experience in implementing successful behaviour management practices in primary, secondary, special and alternative provision settings.
