Teachers in London and across the UK could be asked to change their behaviour in using electricity in schools, it has been reported.

The move is to be part of a major campaign launched early next year designed to cut carbon emissions in schools.

As part of the scheme, schools secretary Ed Balls has stated that £12 million is to be invested in smart meters, which will allow schools to see their electricity consumption levels in real-time.

Staff with teaching roles in London and across the UK could find the new technology useful for teaching children about climate change and carbon reduction.

It will also help schools with financial management.

According to research from the Carbon Trust, smart meters and wider behavioural changes in energy use could lead to ten to 15 per cent cuts in fuel bills.

This could mean that the average one-form primary school could save up to £700 a year on their energy bills, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has estimated.

In other news from the DCSF, there has been a 21.6 per cent decrease in the past year in the number of young people entering the criminal justice system through a reprimand, warning or conviction.