Teachers at Tewkesbury Academy to strike over pupils' abusive behaviour
Teachers take action after claims of disruption and threats
Last updated 4th Feb 2026
Teachers at Tewkesbury Academy in Gloucestershire are set to begin a series of strike actions, protesting against what they describe as a failure by school management to tackle abusive and disruptive behaviour by a minority of pupils.
The strike, organised by NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, will be the first of five planned days of action.
According to NASUWT, the disruptive pupils have been using threats of violence, derogatory language, and verbal abuse against staff. The union also claims that this behaviour is having an impact on teaching and poses safety concerns for both staff and students.
Union calls for tighter behaviour management
Matt Wrack, NASUWT General Secretary, stated that teachers at the school have attempted to resolve the issue without resorting to strike action.
"We have exhausted every avenue to resolve this dispute, but the lack of action to keep staff and pupils safe from abuse and disruptive behaviour from a small number of students has left us with no other choice but to take strike action," Wrack said.
The union is urging school management to implement a behaviour management system that effectively addresses abuse and ensures a safe working environment.
Responsibility placed on school management
Wendy Exton, NASUWT National Executive Member for Gloucestershire, said staff have been left unable to teach effectively because of the disruptive behaviour.
"Staff want to teach and give their best to their students, but the continual disruption is preventing them from doing so.
"We have given management numerous opportunities to work with us to put in place an effective pupil behaviour management system, but they have failed to do so," Exton said.
She added that the responsibility for any disruption caused by the strike action lies with the school management.
The planned strike action follows ongoing calls from teachers at Tewkesbury Academy for management to lead efforts to tackle abusive behaviour in the school.
A spokesperson for Tewkesbury Academy said: “Some staff at Tewkesbury Academy have voted to participate in strikes organised by the National Education Union and teachers’ union NASUWT. This action primarily relates to the management of behaviour of a small minority of students and the implementation of approaches designed to improve standards for all children.
“We are surprised and saddened that unions have opted for action despite the significant progress which has been made in our talks. Nevertheless, we remain firmly committed to negotiating in good faith to reduce disruption for families and to ensure all children in our town can enjoy a good education and success in life.”