Teachers at Kirkintilloch High School in East Dunbartonshire have announced industrial action in response to what they describe as a culture of unchecked violence and abuse among pupils. Staff members claim they have repeatedly raised concerns about student behaviour, only to be dismissed or “gaslit” by school management.
Starting 5 February, teachers will refuse to cover classes, organise trips, or take part in extracurricular activities as a form of protest. However, the action stops short of a full strike. The move comes amid growing reports of pupil violence in Scottish schools, with teachers across the country demanding stronger disciplinary measures and better support from authorities.
Teachers Speak Out Against Unchecked Disruptive Behaviour
Staff at the school report facing regular verbal abuse, swearing, and physical violence, while pupils allegedly roam corridors freely instead of attending lessons. According to the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), many teachers feel that students face “no serious consequences” for their actions due to an overreliance on restorative justice approaches.
NASUWT Scotland official Mike Corbett criticised the school’s management, stating:
“Members feel blamed and gaslit by management for the poor behaviour of pupils. They report being told at debriefing meetings that their lessons are ‘not fun or engaging enough’.”
He further warned that allowing disruptive behaviour to go unpunished “fails the employers’ duty of care towards staff” and creates a toxic learning environment for both teachers and students.
Previous Cases of School Violence in Scotland
This is not the first time Scottish teachers have taken action over classroom violence. In 2022, teachers at Bannerman High School in Glasgow also staged industrial action due to escalating pupil aggression. Additionally, a survey by the EIS union revealed that:
- Almost 50% of teachers in Aberdeen reported facing violent behaviour from pupils daily.
- More than a third of respondents said they had been physically assaulted in schools.
The rise in classroom violence has sparked national debate over whether current disciplinary policies are effective in maintaining order and protecting both staff and students.
Calls for Stronger Disciplinary Measures
Teachers at Kirkintilloch High School argue that without clear consequences for misbehaviour, pupils will continue to challenge authority without fear of punishment.
NASUWT national executive member Rod McCready defended the decision to take industrial action, stating:
“In a school where there is a culture of abuse and violence from pupils, our members are not willing at the present time to put themselves at further risk by taking such classes.”
The union insists that restorative justice—a practice that focuses on mediation rather than punishment—has been overused, leaving teachers feeling unsupported and vulnerable in dealing with disruptive students.
School and Government Response
East Dunbartonshire Council has acknowledged the teachers’ concerns and is currently engaged in discussions with the NASUWT to find a resolution.
Chief Executive Ann Davie assured that the local authority is aware of the situation, stating:
“We have fully engaged with the school management regarding NASUWT staff concerns and we are currently in discussions with the union to try to resolve the issues they have brought forward.”
However, many teachers remain skeptical about whether meaningful changes will be implemented to improve classroom safety.
The Growing Crisis in Classroom Behaviour
With reports of violence in schools on the rise, the Scottish education system faces increasing pressure to take decisive action. Teachers and education unions argue that without stricter enforcement of discipline and greater support for staff, the problem will only worsen.
As the industrial action at Kirkintilloch High School approaches, the outcome of discussions between teachers, school management, and local authorities could set a precedent for how pupil behaviour issues are handled across Scotland in the future.
