Secondary school teachers go on strike over poor classroom behaviour as GCSEs and A-Levels loom for many pupils

• e-mail

Secondary school teachers are to go on strike over poor classroom behaviour, ahead of major GCSE and A-Level exams for pupils. 

St Edward's College in West Derby, Liverpool, will close tomorrow as staff take part in the strike action, having already walked out on Tuesday.

The National Education Union said 60 of its members will take part in the industrial action after 'negotiations broke down in a trade dispute centred around pupil behaviour last week'.

A letter from St Edward's College, sent to parents and carers, said the school has met with the NEU many times over the previous term 'to provide action and reassurance about various issues, including behaviour, equipment for teaching and directed time'.

St Edward's College in West Derby, Liverpool, will close tomorrow as staff take part in the strike action, having already walked out on Tuesday

The National Education Union said 60 of its members will take part in the industrial action after 'negotiations broke down in a trade dispute centred around pupil behaviour last week'

 This comes after St Edward's received a highly negative Ofsted report last year, which landed the academy with a rating of 'requires improvement' after an inspection in November 2022. The school's previous inspection, which came before it became an academy in 2011, saw it rated as outstanding.

Then in February 2024 its current principal Stephen Morris announced he would be standing down from his role at the end of the academic year, adding to the institutions woes.

Principal Morris and Chair of Governors John O'Brien said they felt dialogue over the strike action was 'positive and constructive' and many matters raised by the NEU have been resolved.

The school said it recognises staff's right to strike but understand parents may be concerned about the damaging effect it will have on pupils, particularly in Year 11 and Year 13. 

The school said it is seeking urgent clarification around the matters the NEU believe are unresolved so 'meaningful dialogue' can continue.

The school said it hopes to offer online resources to help pupils learn from home on the strike days. A small number of pupils will be invited to work in school - but most will not be able to be accommodated.

Bora Oktas, regional officer of the NEU said: 'Unfortunately, the college's management of poor pupil behaviour and staff safety has been inadequate.

'Despite our members' efforts to address these issues, the employer's failure to implement agreed-upon resolutions has left staff and pupils at risk. Our members have shown remarkable patience and dedication throughout this process since January.

The school said it recognises staff's right to strike but understand parents may be concerned about the damaging effect it will have on pupils, particularly in Year 11 and Year 13

'They came to the negotiation table with genuine intentions, but unfortunately, the employer has taken their goodwill for granted.'

In January, the NEU said it sent a resolution document to the school outlining how pupil behaviour could be effectively addressed and the necessary support and resources required.

Bora added: 'Although the employer signed this agreement in February, progress has been sluggish due to some CLT members dragging their feet in implementation.

'We find it disappointing that the employer has not honoured the spirit of the resolution agreement. We expected the employer to implement the agreement promptly. Instead, they have been consistently finding excuses to delay implementation. Our members deserve better.'

St Edward's College said it has agreed to establish a workplace joint union-management negotiation and consultation committee, and scheduled the first meeting of this. 

It added: 'Rest assured, we seek to continue our positive engagement with the NEU and earnestly hope that they will engage meaningfully with us.'