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Causing a nuisance or disturbance on school premises

s.547Education Act 1996

Being on school premises without lawful authority and causing or permitting a nuisance or disturbance to the annoyance of those who lawfully use them.

Causing a nuisance or disturbance on school premises · Education Act 1996, s.547Card 185 / 195

Points to prove

Was present on premises to which s.547 applies
Without lawful authority
Caused or permitted a nuisance or disturbance
To the annoyance of persons who lawfully use those premises (whether or not any of them were present at the time)

Key definitions

Premises – s.547(2): the premises of schools maintained by a local authority, non-maintained special schools, independent schools (which include academies) and alternative provision academies. This includes playgrounds, playing fields and other outdoor recreation areas.
Other premises – s.547(2A): local authority premises used wholly or mainly for instruction or leadership in sporting, recreational or outdoor activities.
Without lawful authority – the person has no right or permission to be there at the time.
Whether or not present – s.547(1): the lawful users need not be there at the time, so the offence can be committed when the school is closed.

Good to know

Power of removal – s.547(3): a constable, or a person authorised by the appropriate authority, who has reasonable cause to suspect a person is committing or has committed the offence may remove them from the premises.
Who can prosecute – s.547(6): only a constable or an authorised person (the local authority, or a person authorised by the governing body or proprietor, depending on the type of school).
Summary only, so proceedings must start within 6 months. For weapons on school premises, see s.139A Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Legislation: Education Act 1996, s.547 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Summary only
Maximum penalty: A fine not exceeding level 2 (£500)
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Causing a nuisance or disturbance on school premises: questions people ask

What are the points to prove for causing a nuisance or disturbance on school premises?

1. Was present on premises to which s.547 applies 2. Without lawful authority 3. Caused or permitted a nuisance or disturbance 4. To the annoyance of persons who lawfully use those premises (whether or not any of them were present at the time)

What is the maximum sentence for causing a nuisance or disturbance on school premises?

A fine not exceeding level 2 (£500)

Is causing a nuisance or disturbance on school premises a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Causing a nuisance or disturbance on school premises is a summary-only offence: it is tried in the magistrates’ court.

What Act and section is causing a nuisance or disturbance on school premises?

Causing a nuisance or disturbance on school premises is an offence under the Education Act 1996, s.547.

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