If your child was injured at school because of the school's negligence, you can usually make a school accident claim for compensation in the UK. Schools owe a duty of care to pupils — similar to that of a reasonably careful parent. If they fell below that standard through inadequate supervision, unsafe equipment, poorly maintained premises or a failure to manage a known risk, and your child was injured as a result, you can claim on your child's behalf. There is no time limit while the child is under 18; once they turn 18, they have three more years (until age 21) to bring a claim themselves.
When parents send their children to school, they trust the school to keep them safe. Most of the time it does. But when a school falls short — a broken piece of playground equipment, a science experiment without proper supervision, a known bully allowed to attack — and a child is hurt, the law provides a remedy. This guide explains when a school accident gives rise to a compensation claim, who is liable, the unique time-limit rules for children and how compensation works. We are an independent information service, not a law firm.
The school's duty of care
Schools owe a duty to take reasonable care of their pupils — the legal standard is that of a reasonably prudent parent applied to a school setting. This means:
- Adequate supervision in classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, on school trips and during sports
- Safe premises — properly maintained buildings, playgrounds and sports fields
- Safe equipment — regularly inspected and age-appropriate
- Risk assessments for activities such as science practicals, sports, workshops and school trips
- Managing known risks — including bullying, aggressive pupils and allergy risks
The duty does not make the school an insurer of every bump and scrape. Children play and sometimes fall. To claim, you must show the school fell below the required standard, and that this failure caused the injury.
Who is liable?
| School type | Claim against |
|---|---|
| State school (maintained) | The local authority (council) |
| Academy or free school | The academy trust |
| Private (independent) school | The school itself (company or trust) |
| School trip — third-party venue | The venue operator (and potentially the school for poor planning) |
Claims are not brought against individual teachers. Schools carry liability insurance to cover these situations.
Common school accidents
- Playground falls — from climbing frames, on uneven surfaces, or due to inadequate supervision
- Sports injuries — where the school failed to provide proper coaching, equipment or supervision
- Trips and slips — wet floors, damaged surfaces, obstacles in corridors
- Science or workshop injuries — burns, chemical exposure, cuts from inadequately supervised practicals
- Bullying injuries — where the school knew about the risk and failed to act
- School trip accidents — inadequate risk assessment or supervision at an external venue
Time limits for children
Children's claims have a special time-limit rule. A parent or litigation friend can bring a claim on behalf of the child at any time before the child turns 18. Once the child reaches 18, they have a further three years (until their 21st birthday) to bring a claim themselves. In practice, it is better to act sooner while evidence is fresh and the school's records are still available.
✓ Court approval protects the child
Any settlement of a child's claim must be approved by the court to ensure it is fair. The compensation is usually held in a court-managed fund until the child turns 18.
How much compensation?
Compensation is assessed under the Judicial College Guidelines (17th edition, 2024) for the specific injury, regardless of where it happened. A simple fracture may attract several thousand pounds. Serious head injuries, burns or long-term psychological harm attract substantially more. Special damages may include private medical treatment, physiotherapy, additional care, educational support and, in serious cases, future loss of earnings.
Getting help
We are not a law firm. Use the SRA register and Law Society "Find a Solicitor" to find a personal injury solicitor experienced in child injury and school accident claims. Citizens Advice provides free guidance. You may also wish to raise concerns with Ofsted (England) or the equivalent inspectorate for your nation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if my child was injured at school?
Yes, if the school was negligent. Schools owe a duty of care to their pupils, similar to the standard of a reasonably careful parent. If the school failed in that duty (for example, inadequate supervision, unsafe equipment, poorly maintained premises) and your child was injured as a result, you can claim on your child's behalf.
Who do I claim against?
For a state school, the claim is usually against the local authority or the academy trust, not individual teachers. For a private school, it is against the school itself. Schools carry liability insurance to cover these claims. For accidents involving another child, the claim is against the school for inadequate supervision, not against the other child.
How long do I have to claim for a school accident?
A parent or litigation friend can bring a claim on behalf of the child at any time before the child turns 18. Once the child reaches 18, they have a further three years (until age 21) to bring a claim themselves. There is no deadline while the child is under 18.
What if my child was hurt by another pupil?
You may be able to claim against the school if inadequate supervision or a failure to manage a known risk of bullying or violence allowed the incident to happen. The claim is based on the school's negligence, not on suing the other child.
Do I need to prove the school was negligent?
Yes. Not every accident at school gives rise to a claim. Children fall, trip and bump into things. To succeed, you need to show that the school fell below the standard of care expected, and that this failure caused or materially contributed to the injury. Accidents that would have happened despite proper supervision may not succeed.
How much compensation for a school accident?
It depends on the injury. Compensation is assessed under the Judicial College Guidelines (17th edition, 2024) for the specific injury, regardless of where it happened. A minor fracture may attract several thousand pounds. A head injury or serious long-term condition can attract substantially more. Special damages may include private medical treatment, additional care and any impact on the child's education.
Get help from official, free sources
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — check a solicitor is regulated
- The Law Society — Find a Solicitor — accredited PI specialists
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial guidance on your rights
- Ofsted (England) — report school safety concerns
Related guides: claiming for a child or dependant, public liability claims, slip and fall claims, head injury claims, broken bone claims, and no win, no fee explained.