In general minors have no greater or lesser rights than adults, and in general editorial photos taken in public places will require no consent. The key concept here is 'reasonable expectation of privacy'. In public places there is seldom any such reasonable expectation. In private places there may be. Eg if the photographs were taken at a private party in someone's home or back garden, permission would be necessary, but if the event was in a park or other venue open to the public, it would not be required. A school is a private place in this context, and permission is required.

Note that where permission is required, either the parent, guardian or carer with a delegated authority (eg teacher) must provide consent for under 18's.

The reason for the photos being taken may play a part too: if privately commissioned by, say, a parent, then like portraits and wedding photos they would be private to the client and permission would be required.

There are some specific other factors to be careful of here too. You would be very unwise to use such photos for any advertising or promotional use that implies endorsement or approval, without obtaining model releases. Also be extremely careful about clothing and disposition : any hint of depiction of sexuality in photos of minors is a criminal offence. And finally be careful about captioning with names or identifying location : there are the 'rights of the child' under the Children Act, where children who are wards of court or on the At Risk register have enhanced rights of privacy. You will find more about this complicated subject at the 'can I take photographs of children?' section of this FAQ.