Almost half of the complaints made to schools by parents concern behaviour and bullying, a new government-funded report has found.

Researchers found that schools and parents usually work well together to resolve issues and that the number of complaints is relatively low. On average, schools receive one complaint per 100 pupils, per year.

The vast majority of complaints are resolved within a month. Some are more difficult to deal with, particularly when incidents occur off school premises, when parents have mental health issues or when parents make unfounded complaints.

The researchers - who collated results from 124 schools - called on the Department for Education to update its guidance and look at how to provide a consistent approach to complaints in different school sectors.

Nature of complaints recorded by schools, 2009-10

Bullying 22%

SEN 12%

Curriculum 10%

Temporary exclusion 6%

School uniform 5%

Discipline or behavioural issue 25%

School management 19%.