Some headteachers put unruly pupils in detention only for the parents to march into class and demand that their children be allowed to leave, according to Mr Balls.

He has asked the Government's school behaviour adviser Sir Alan Steer to investigate how heads can work with parents who challenge their authority.

Speaking to heads at the National College for School Leadership conference in Birmingham, Mr Balls will say: "Schools are doing a fantastic job of turning around poor behaviour, which is crucial to improving results.

"However, we need parents to continue to play their part. When I talk to heads they say behaviour is one of their main concerns.

"Some talk of giving detentions to pupils only for the parent to come in and demand their child is let off.

"So whilst the vast majority of parents work really well with schools, a small minority are not supporting heads to maintain discipline.

"I have asked Sir Alan Steer, as part of his review of behaviour in schools, to look at some ideas to help heads work with these parents."

Improving discipline is seen as key to the Government's drive to raise standards in 638 secondary schools where more than 70% of pupils fail to get five C grades in their GCSEs.

Sir Alan, head of Seven Kings High School in Ilford, Essex, is reviewing school behaviour policy for the Government. He will examine whether parents are more likely to cooperate if they receive regular online reports about their children's behaviour.