England publishes serious violence guidance for schools and colleges

England’s Department for Education published guidance on understanding and preventing serious violence in education on 22 October. A further update on 23 October clarified the section on the Serious Violence Duty and requirements for educational authorities.

The resources cover recognising risks, prevention, responses to violent incidents, support for affected children and information sharing with safeguarding partners. They are intended for schools and colleges in England.

The department says the publication introduces no new expectations. Instead, it provides routes through existing guidance, practical resources that settings can adapt and links to relevant support. It also explains how legal duties differ from recommendations.

For school leaders reviewing their arrangements, the collection offers a way to check how prevention, incident response and follow-up support connect. The department advises adapting resources to local policies, safeguarding partnerships and referral routes.

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