Having to complain is never pleasant but, sometimes, it’s necessary. Student welfare, education and happiness must come first, and no complaint is too small or trivial when these things are at stake. Knowing how to file a complaint against a teacher gives you some protection if the teacher's behaviour in the classroom puts you/your child at risk. This chart lays out how to advance through the complaint process and what to think about as you do.
| 🚶♂️Step | 🔎Explanation | 💪Action to take |
|---|---|---|
| Recognize system flaws and limitations. | Schools may not take action even if complaints are valid. Sometimes issues are overlooked. | Manage your expectations. |
| Identify the issue | Examples include ignoring students, unfair treatment, excessive homework, or abusive behavior. | Discuss with others to see if they’ve had similar issues. Speak with a school counsellor, if possible, and your parents. |
| Contact the teacher | For minor issues and potential misunderstandings. | Request a meeting to discuss concerns. Aim for a mutual understanding of the issue and look for solutions. |
| Speak to teacher’s superior | Discuss the issue with the headteacher or department head. | Explain the problem and prior efforts to resolve it. Bring any documentation or details that support your concerns. |
| Involve the principal | Should your teacher’s actions continue to affect learning or welfare. | Lodging a formal complaint may lead to further investigation. |
| Contact school governors | File a formal complaint with the school’s governors. | Include evidence and a detailed explanation of previous steps taken. |
| Report to NCTL | Escalate it to the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL). | Have a file that includes evidence of your complaint and all the steps you've taken to resolve it ready to present. |
| Reach ut to local MPs | If the governors couldn't or didn't resolve the complaint. | Write or visit your MP's office. Provide them with your documentation. |
| Lodge a formal complaint with the Department for Education | If all the steps you've taken so far have failed. | Consult the DfE's website for contact information and filing procedures. |
| Contact the press | As a final measure, if all other avenues have failed. | Bring awareness to your issue and the steps you've taken to try resolving it. NOTE: involving the press will put you in the spotlight. |
Teacher Misconduct Examples
Everyone has a different threshold for complaints against teachers. In other words: what might bother some parents and learners is tolerable to others. With that said, we can identify some teacher actions that may warrant a complaint, especially if they happen all the time.
They ignore you
- when you raise your hand
- when you email/message them
- when you pass each other in the hall
They don't answer questions
- "Look it up!"
- "It's in the book!"
- "We'll talk about that later!" but they never do
They don't engage
- when you bring up a talking point
- when you present a counterpoint
- when you ask about a related topic
These three examples of teacher misconduct are relatively mild. If they happen only once or just occasionally, you might consider that your teacher is having a bad day. However, if they happen all the time or several times per week, they may be legitimate grounds for a complaint. The next offences are more serious.
They leave the distinct impression that they don't like or respect their students
They mock, laugh at, or otherwise deride students
They get aggressive, violent or abusive, including sexually abusive
These are definite reasons to file a complaint about teacher behaviour. In fact, the third example is grounds for pulling out of that class immediately. For the other two, you might take the time to watch for a pattern of behaviour. Once you and other students/parents in your group agree that a teacher is showing marked disrespect, filing a complaint is necessary1.
This excellent safeguarding podcast gives some examples of how teachers may step over the line in educational scenarios.
Some students want to file a teacher complaint over seemingly mild issues. For instance, their teacher assigns unreasonable amounts of homework, or they persistently grade low. On their own, these fall in a grey area, particularly if the whole class is subject to this treatment. However, if they're coupled with other types of teacher misconduct, you're wise to investigate how to report teacher.
Flaws You Encounter When You Report a Teacher
The existing complaints procedure is not perfect. Schools have their own ways of dealing with teacher misconduct. If the school's administrative staff is not willing to deal with an issue, higher-ups may simply do whatever the school wants. Even if that means disregarding and covering up a major problem.
If you choose to move (your child) to another school to protect them from the problematic teacher, your case will be closed with no action taken. This means that the suspect teacher can continue to cause issues for other students. You may be safe from harm but allowing harm to continue is not a good outcome.
Parents should not feel nervous about complaining unless it's about something trivial. Schools and teachers routinely field complaints like school lunches not being good enough, for example. Frivolous complaints such as these do more to harm the complaints process - and parents' credibility - than complaining about real issues does.
Unless you're at university, parent-teacher communication is the best way to resolve issues at school. The adults in your life automatically have more credibility and respect than you do.
The bottom line is: if you/your parents are concerned about a teacher’s behaviour or ability to perform their duties, speaking up is the right thing to do. Follow these steps to find a resolution.
Contact the Teacher
Students complain about school all the time. They don't like having to wake up early and wonder why they have to participate in games. Those and other whingings are commonplace but sometimes, their complaints require attention.
Whether the issue is seemingly minor, an isolated incident, or a more serious infraction, talking with the teacher is always the first step. The best way to schedule such a review is to book an appointment. That way, you will have a guarantee that the faculty member in question will be free to discuss the issue.
The key word in the above paragraph is 'discuss'. You're not going there to have your say and be done with things. It may be your complaint but the educator you address will have input into the situation, too. You don't give orders; you exchange ideas and come to a consensus.
Sending an email to schedule a meeting isn't the best idea, even if the instructor in question said they welcome email contact. Those professionals are busy; they may log into their email only once per day. If it's the end of the term and student papers are due - via email, their inbox might be so full that your mail will go unnoticed. Or it could end up in their spam folder.
Consider copying the headteacher's account or the school's administrative office.
Your email will serve as a timestamped copy of your request to meet.
Both those positions have someone dedicated to keeping up with correspondence. They will be sure to see your mail; they may even respond or, at least, send a read receipt.
A university professor, on the other hand, will likely tell students to come by during office hours. Usually, those faculty members list their office hours in their syllabi. Or they announce them on the first day of class. You may have to wait in line to talk with them as professors don't typically set appointments.
How to Complain Effectively
- Talking with other parents whose children attend the same school/class is a good idea. That way, you'll find out whether the problem is affecting more students. Besides, the teacher will be more inclined to respond to complaints coming from several sources.
- Make sure you know what you want to say ahead of the meeting. Make a list of keywords to build your arguments on. Include dates, documents and any other information you have.
- While preparing your arguments, also prepare potential solutions. Remember that, at this point, you're only working with your perspective on the matter. You've yet to hear what the other party has to say.
- Now face to face, allow the teacher an opportunity to listen to and address your contentions. Then, it's your turn to listen.
Ideally, through such a discussion, you will find the feedback, advice and support you need. That will allow you to reach a resolution that is satisfactory for all parties involved. If you're a student lodging a complaint, this exercise could be an early lesson in the benefits of having your voice heard.
Report a Teacher to Higher-ups
Should you not be able to reach a resolution with the classroom instructor, you'll have take your complaint to the next stage. This step is a different than copying school administrators on emails you send to teachers.
When you request the meeting, specify your reasons for approaching them. Tell them that your conversation with the teacher failed to resolve the problem. Or you may admit that you feel you cannot talk to the teacher you're in conflict with. Be sure to stress that the problematic behaviour you complained about before persists.
Come to your meeting prepared. Bring documentation and witnesses - or, at least, supporting testimony, and be sure to take notes. This evidence might be useful later, if you need to escalate your complaint.
After you have spoken to the headteacher or department administrator, they will most likely call for a meeting with you and the teacher. That's if things aren't so bad that you and your teacher cannot be in the same room together.
Be aware that mediation, talking things over in front of a neutral party, is the recommended way to resolve issues. You may be called on to talk with the teacher in front of that administrator, but you don't have to accept this offer. You may also complain to OFSTED if you feel their guidance has been broken2.
Complaint Letter to Principal About Teacher Behaviour
If the problem persists and is affecting your (or your child's) education and/or welfare, you have a serious problem on your hands.
What if you talk with classmates and/or other students' parents and find that they're affected, as well? Under these circumstances, the next step is a complaint letter to principal about teacher behaviour.
As noted above, this is another situation where speaking to other parents could be of great advantage to you. After all, it’s unlikely that the head of the school will ignore complaints coming from several sources. And anyway, they're supposed to periodically assess teachers' behaviour in the classroom. Your formal complaint might compel them to do so ahead of schedule.
From this point, things can go one of two ways. Either this level of consideration will be enough for the teacher to get their act together. Or they will double down, insisting they're in the right.
All's well that ends well
- the teacher accepts the criticism
- they submit to monitoring
- they undergo retraining or counselling
- the administrator keeps a record of the incident on file.
The outlook isn't good
- the teacher denies accusations
- they may be reassigned
- they will be investigated
- they may be disciplined (suspension, dismissal)
If all goes well, you can start the healing process at home. You should engage a Superprof academic coach to help you get caught up with English, Maths or any other subject your grades suffered in during this troubled period.
Considering how severe the UK's teacher shortage is, schools will make every effort to keep experienced teachers. Such might include retraining, reassignment, and working with a counsellor.
As dismissals are often the last defence against teacher misconduct, offending teachers will likely stay in the classroom. Beware that they may grow resentful of punishment but, even if they don't, you may have to escalate your complaint further.
Writing a Complaint Letter About Teacher to Principal
Much as we all wish such would never happen, there are times to bypass talking to the teacher.
In those cases, you're justified in going over the teacher's head. Take your complaint to their supervisor or directly to the school's administrators.
Should your child (and other students) be in immediate danger, ring emergency services before attempting any contact with the school1.
How to Complain About a Teacher UK
Except for situations where students are in immediate danger, any complaint about teacher behaviour follows an established procedure3.
First, talk with your learners and other parents. Then, make a list of talking points to address with the teacher. If no resolution is found at this level, escalate to the teacher's supervisor and the school's principal, if needed. You might go that far and find no relief; then it's time to take another step.
You must complain to the school governors. At this stage of the complaint process, you must submit your charges in writing. Your letter should include all the steps you've already taken to resolve the issue, and evidence to support your claims:
Documents proving the issue
- grade reports
- Student Room and other social media posts that talk about the issue
- testimony from other students and parents
Proof of your resolution attempts
- Letters and emails you've sent
- Responses you've received
- Calendar entries reflecting your efforts' timeline
Responses from the school
- Letters describing the outcomes of meetings
- Proposed resolutions
- Notifications of actions the school has taken
If the school governors fail to deliver a solution4, you can escalate still further. You may make a formal complaint to the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL).
You must prove the validity of your claims at every step of the complaints procedure.
Doing so will be time-consuming and annoying, but meticulous recordkeeping is your best chance at finding a resolution.
Report a Teacher to Your Local MPs
If you must take your complaint about teacher behaviour to the NCTL, you might also contact your local MPs. Submit copies of everything with your letter of complaint, as they may write to the Department for Education (DfE) on your behalf. That is, if you don't contact the DfE yourself5.
This may all seem intimidating but remember: your/your child's safety, well-being and education are at stake. If you're being deprived of learning tools, resources and opportunities, you have little choice but to report teacher misconduct at whichever level will deliver resolution.
Teacher Misconduct in the Press
If you have carried out all of the above steps without any results, your last option is to contact the press.
We emphasise this is a measure of last resort. To be used only if you've followed every step in the complaint procedure and have found no relief. Before involving the press, you must think about what it means to do so.
A lot of people would much rather remain anonymous, particularly if the matter is painful. Involving the press puts you and your family in the spotlight. Facing the press is a big ask after what you/your child have gone through.
Also, consider that you're opening yourself to libel accusations. Particularly if previous steps in the complaint procedure revealed no wrongdoing.
With that said, we note that, in some extreme cases, contacting the press has resulted in problem finally being resolved. Everyone in the school will be under intense scrutiny within the community. That generally leads to some sort of action, particularly if money is involved if there's any talk of victim compensation.
References for How to Complain About a Teacher UK
- UK Government: https://www.gov.uk/report-teacher-misconduct
- OFSTED: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-school
- Citizens' Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/education/sorting-out-school-problems/#:~:text=Talk%20to%20the%20headteacher,the%20headteacher%20if%20you%20prefer
- Contacting school governors: https://askaclerk.co.uk/how-can-i-contact-school-governors/
- Department for Education: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education/about/complaints-procedure
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My granddaughters teacher is pushing her holding her in a chair and hit her with a book while making negative comments about her
Have you complain about this to the school..? If so Please Share
What has the school or you done action wise ? My son has been bullied by senior teacher since the first day of starting school in September 2020. I have. Sent a report to Ofsted, local council, MPs , secretary of education and the schools Governing body.
My child’s school in Ilford that has been in the media spot light on a few occasions for victimisation and Discrimination.Thank you so much the information was very helpful. I have done all but contact the media. I made enquiries a few weeks ago. My son has been bullied by a senior member of staff head of my sons year and other seniors have joined in SEN, deputy headteacher, assistant headteacher and the Lead Welfare officer. When I have made complaints to the school a day or two after the complaint my child has been unlawfully suspended.
My daughter’s headteacher refuses to remove a boy who verbally and sexually assaulted her and other female students.
That horrible I’m so sorry she and other students had go through that, I hope she heals soon. X
My 9 year old grandson has a female teacher clearly dislikes him. She is judgemental and blames him and takes sides with other children without listening to him. At home he is well behaved but he is unhappy at school and lacks attention. No problems with previous teachers at all.. Your info will help my daughter today. She complained to the headmistress months ago.
I’m really sorry to hear about the tough time your grandson is going through with his teacher. Hopefully, the school takes this matter seriously and takes steps to address the situation!
Sending positive thoughts to your family.
Hi where do I report a corrupt teacher thanks
Hello, could you please clarify whether the corrupt teacher you’re referring to is on Superprof platform?
I was banned from my daughter school unfairly since last year November 2023.
By new head teacher that start in September 2023.
It’s my daughter last year before secondary in September 2024.
I have not have a parent meeting with her year 6 teacher since she transit into that class
I have made more one complaint to governoring board.
My daughter is not safe under her policies
What can do at this moment.
My daughter and at least 4 other pupils were left unsupervised several times in a pe lessons.There appears to be numerous occasions and pupils walk out regularly where has been a serious incident and I worry for other incidents to happen
I’m sorry to hear about your concerns—it’s completely understandable to feel worried. 💬 The first step is to raise the issue directly with the school, starting with the PE teacher or head of department, to clarify what happened. If you’re not satisfied, you can escalate it to the headteacher or the school’s governing body. Ensuring pupil safety is a priority, and addressing this promptly is the right thing to do. 💡✨
So , I have this teacher called Miss Avery, and she always says I’m being rude and disrespectful and I’m not good enough, and treats me different because I do have a brother with autism and he shouted at her and she accused him of doing something in the restroom. I need help this hasn’t even been the worst she had done.
Hi Rowan,
I’m really sorry you’re going through this—it sounds like a really tough situation. No teacher should make you feel like you’re not good enough or treat you unfairly because of your family situation. If you feel comfortable, you might want to talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, guardian, or another teacher, about what’s been happening. They can help you figure out the best way to address it.
If things don’t improve, you could also consider speaking to the school administration about your concerns. You deserve to be treated with respect and to feel safe in your learning environment.
Best of luck and I hope things get better for you!