Education secretary Charles Clarke has urged secondary schools to do more to tackle poor behaviour and lack of discipline among pupils as Labour finalises its education priorities in the run-up to the general election.

Government Response: Labour

Charles Clarke education secretary said: “The ethos of a school is very important in instilling discipline and order on their pupils. If a school sends a signal that bad behaviour is unacceptable then it is likely that the pupils will conform.

“A culture of high achievement helps to reinforce good behaviour. But the insistence on good behaviour and good order promotes high achievement.

“Teachers deserve respect. The habits children learn at school often stay with them for the rest of their life and it is important that they learn how to behave and how to respect others as early as possible.

“Of course, children need a lunch break and they need something healthy to eat to set them up for the afternoon.

“My own personal view is that the heads are best placed to decide what suits their school, but I would prefer pupils to stay on campus at lunch, unless there is a very good reason not to be.

“Many students may be able to handle the responsibility, but we know that some can’t. They end up playing truant or get in trouble in the local community – this looks bad on the pupil, their parents and the school.”

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

PAT general secretary Jean Gemmell said: "Secondary schools have been working hard for many years to improve pupils' behaviour while the government has not helped by changing the rules on school exclusions several times.