Lancashire school staff vote to strike over 'virtual teacher'
The Valley Leadership Academy in Bacup decided to move to the distance learning arrangement as a result of difficulty recruiting teachers locally.
Staff at a Lancashire secondary school have voted to go on strike after the introduction of a ‘virtual’ maths teacher – based 300 miles away in Devon.
As the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) first revealed in July, The Valley Leadership Academy in Bacup decided to move to the distance learning arrangement – for top-set pupils in years 9-11 – as a result of difficulty recruiting teachers locally.
Star Academies – the trust that runs the Fearns Moss school – says its priority is to ensure pupils benefit from “the highest quality teaching”.
A second adult is also present in the classroom to offer face-to-face support to students – and Star agreed for that individual to be a qualified teacher in the case of The Valley, unlike at some of its other schools where virtual teachers are also in use.
However, members of the National Education Union (NEU) have voted to walk out over the change, which was introduced in September. They will strike on 3rd, 10th and 11th December and 6th-8th January, 2026.
Ian Watkinson – Lancashire NEU branch secretary – said direct experience of the new set-up had done nothing to assuage staff concerns and warned that the use of a qualified teacher in-person was not “guaranteed”.
He also told the LDRS that young people already have “enough screens in their lives”, without having to view their teacher through one.
“We’re hearing almost every day about children spending far too much time in front of screens, whether computers or mobile phones.
“Being in the classroom and engaging with a teacher in real life is something you can’t replicate on a screen.
“There’s also a real fear where this might end up, with some of the language that’s used in Star’s national communications around embracing technology and reference to AI.
“That’s not to say that there isn’t a place for technology – but certainly only to add value, not the core teacher,” Mr. Watkinson said.
Eighty-two percent of NEU members voted to strike, on a turnout of 73 percent of those eligible.
A spokesperson for The Valley Leadership Academy said it was “disappointed” by the planned walkout.
“This initiative is a small-scale, targeted response to the national shortage of specialist Maths teachers. Our priority is, and always will be, to ensure pupils receive the highest quality teaching.
“For too long, children in some of the most deprived parts of the country have faced disruption to their learning because of short-term supply teachers and recruitment challenges. Every child, wherever they live, deserves access to excellent teachers. No pupil should be disadvantaged because they live in an area where recruitment is difficult. This is about equality and social justice – ensuring that all children have the same opportunities to succeed.
“This approach is a win-win. Pupils benefit from an outstanding specialist teacher delivering lessons online, while a second adult – such as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, teacher apprentice, or developing teacher – supports learning in the classroom. This co-teaching model ensures pupils receive excellent teaching and enables us to grow the next generation of teachers.
“We have worked constructively with all trade unions over recent months and addressed every concern raised. While we are disappointed that strike action is proceeding, we remain committed to working positively with our NEU colleagues to resolve this matter.
“The school will remain open, and pupils’ education will not be disrupted. Teachers and leaders will be on site to deliver lessons and support learning throughout.”