Information about the revised Student code of conduct
A revised Student code of conduct is coming in Term 4 2026
From Day 1, Term 4 2026, NSW public schools will introduce a revised Student code of conduct.
This revised Student code of conduct sets clear, consistent and high expectations for behaviour across all schools. It will replace the existing Behaviour code for students. The existing Behaviour code for students will remain in place until the start of Term 4 2026.
[Upbeat music]
[Narrator] In New South Wales public schools, everyone belongs and strives for the highest standard of learning. This short animation introduces the Student code of conduct your child will be learning about at school. It explains what being respectful, responsible and safe looks like in everyday situations. Teachers can use this as a starting point. They will explicitly teach and discuss these expectations with students.
[Student 1] At our school, we follow the Student code of conduct by being respectful, responsible and safe. We follow teachers’ and staff directions. This Student code of conduct is for all students. It helps us learn and get along. We support each other. We are ready to learn. The Student code of conduct applies at school, when travelling to and from school, on excursions, online and when wearing school uniform in public, including in the community.
[Student 2] Respecting everyone means being considerate and understanding so everyone feels welcome and included. I listen and speak respectfully. I let others focus on their learning. I value and include everyone and treat everyone fairly. I care for our school environment. I wear the school uniform correctly and with pride.
[Student 3] Being responsible means being careful with our actions so everyone can learn and get along. I attend school every day I can, arrive to school and class on time, bring what I need, and be ready to learn. I follow school and class rules and routines. I use technology safely and for learning. I complete my schoolwork, try my best, and ask for help when I need it. I help others when I can. I learn from the mistakes I make and try to improve.
[Student 4] Being safe means caring for yourself and others so everyone can be safe in our school. I follow the instructions of teachers and school staff. I respect others’ space, privacy and belongings. I speak up and ask for help if anyone feels unsafe or is treated unfairly. I resolve differences calmly and fairly.
[Student 1] At our school, we follow the rules.
[Student 4] We support others, respect their rights, and share our ideas to make our schools a great place to learn and belong.
[Student 2] Teachers and school staff help us learn, make good choices, and stay safe. Respect everyone, be responsible, and be safe.
[Narrator] We get the best outcomes for students when schools and families work together. We ask you to take a moment to review the Student code of conduct with your child and talk about what it looks like for them. From 2027, we will ask all parents, carers and students to acknowledge the Student code of conduct every year. By acknowledging it, you are supporting your child and their school to build a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment for everyone.
[Music fades]
[End of transcript]
We are committed to high standards of behaviour in every school. All students are expected to follow these expectations:
- Respect everyone
- Be responsible
- Be safe.
Schools will continue to teach and model these expectations in classrooms, playgrounds and online. Teachers and staff will help students understand what respectful, responsible and safe behaviour looks like in different situations.
We believe behaviour is everyone’s responsibility. When students, parents, carers and school staff are all on the same page, we create positive school environments where everyone can thrive. For more information about helping your child better understand the expectations of the code visit the Student code of conduct - Respect everyone, Be responsible, Be safe webpage.
What you need to know about the revised Student code of conduct
The revised Student code of conduct:
- has been simplified into a clear and concise document
- aligns with existing school policies and procedures
- clearly outlines what is expected of students
- supports consistent expectations across all NSW public schools
- applies to all school-related activities — at school, off-site, and online.
The revised Student code of conduct will be available throughout 2026 so everyone in our school communities can become familiar with it before it begins. Resources are now available to support schools to communicate with students, parents or carers and staff. This includes translated versions.
We encourage parents, carers, families and students to read the Student code of conduct before annual acknowledgement starts from Term 1 2027.
The revised Student code of conduct will also be included in each school’s School behaviour support and management plan by the end of Term 4 2026.
Together, we can ensure our schools are respectful, responsible and safe places for every student.
More information
We encourage parents and carers to contact their child’s school for any questions about the revised Student code of conduct.
Staff can access more information at High expectations for student behaviour.