New powers to allow teachers to frisk pupils

New powers allowing teachers to search pupils for mobile phones are expected to be outlined as part of an initiative to stop disruption in classrooms.

An education White Paper to be published next week will outline new rights for teachers to frisk pupils for any item which could interrupt lessons.

School staff will be able to confiscate mobile phones, MP3 players and other electronic gadgets.

It is understood the reforms will also give staff the power to search pupils for items including pornography, cigarettes and fireworks.

Previously, teachers could only search pupils' clothes and bags for weapons, drugs, alcohol and stolen goods if the student did not give consent to the check.

The White Paper will also set out plans to simplify rules on the use of physical force, giving teachers greater powers to take disruptive children out of classrooms without fear of legal action.