THE headteacher of a Worcester school has vowed not to follow new government guidelines on pupil behaviour and discipline, labelling them “draconian”.

Neil Morris, headteacher of Christopher Whitehead Language College in St John’s, called yesterday’s announcement by Schools Minister Nick Gibb “glib”.

Mr Gibb has yesterday promised to hand teachers tough powers to search pupils for alcohol, drugs and mobile phones in a crackdown on bad behaviour.

Rules allowing schools to use physical force to remove unruly students from the classroom are also set to be simplified, while teachers facing accusations from pupils will be granted anonymity to prevent careers being ruined by “malicious” claims.

The raft of measures, which have won support from the teaching profession, were said to be in an effort to restore discipline to the classroom.

But Mr Morris, whose school was this week rated ‘outstanding’ for the first time by Ofsted inspectors, said many of the measures were “draconian”.

“While I agree about giving teachers anonymity, there is a real threat that we are going back to the old ways, and this isn’t always right,” he said.

“We can’t go back to the 1950s and 1960s where there was some terrible behaviour by teachers. I won’t be doing any of these measures as it’s the children who come first.

“When we ask the children if we want to see in their bags, they give their permission and turn their bags out.

“What the Government should be talking about is learning. As a teacher it’s about respect and trust, not saying someone is bigger than you so do as you are told.

“I am not convinced this way will work.

“They (the Government) are just pandering to the Daily Mail police.”

The measures announced by Mr Gibb will:

• End the rule requiring schools to give 24 hours written notice for detentions
• Allow heads and school staff to search pupils for mobile phones, pornography and cigarettes
• Strengthen guidance and legislation if necessary surrounding use of force in the classroom
• Give anonymity to teachers accused by pupils and take other measures to protect against false accusations

But Mr Morris said: “There is a minority of kids who we have to keep back for detention on a regular basis.

“But we don’t just keep doing the same things each time and it is always about creating an extra learning opportunity for them.

“The Government’s views are simplistic.”

Currently headteachers and authorised school staff only have the statutory power to search without consent anyone who is suspected of carrying a knife or other weapon – from September this will be extended to alcohol, controlled drugs, stolen property, personal electronic devices, legal highs, pornography, cigarettes and fireworks.

Reporting restrictions will be placed on allegations made about teachers.