Teachers Strike Over “Untenable” Student Behavior
Teachers at Westbourne Academy in Ipswich have taken strike action in response to what they describe as “untenable” levels of student misbehavior and a lack of effective support from school leadership.
Members of both the NASUWT and NEU unions walked out on Tuesday and Wednesday, with further strike days planned next week. The teachers say they can no longer carry out their duties safely, citing instances of students refusing to attend lessons, roaming the school unsupervised, and engaging in threatening and sometimes violent behavior.
In a statement, NASUWT said staff have been forced to wait entire lessons for assistance from senior leaders, and many feel abandoned. Some teachers have reportedly been sworn at, while others have had chairs and scissors thrown at them.
According to union members, the situation is having a serious impact on their mental health and overall well-being, as well as that of the majority of pupils who attend school to learn.
NEU representative and science teacher Sophie Walker, speaking from the picket line, said that teachers are striking to make a stand and to draw attention to the daily challenges they face.
She explained that many pupils still come to school motivated to learn, but their education is being disrupted by a small group whose behavior has gone unchecked for too long. “You come in every day and don’t know what to expect,” she said. “It grinds you down.”
While acknowledging the seriousness of the issues raised, the Academy Transformation Trust, which oversees the school, has stated that it is already taking steps to address them.
Following a June 2024 Ofsted inspection, which rated the school “Good” overall but flagged behaviour concerns, the Trust says it has acted swiftly, adding staff and strengthening leadership. A new strategy to manage pupil conduct is expected to launch after the half-term break.
Executive Principal Nicky Hood emphasised that every child has a right to an education and that supporting struggling pupils must be balanced with maintaining a safe and productive environment for all. She also stressed the importance of parental involvement and the ongoing commitment to staff well-being.
In the meantime, learning for students in Years 7, 8, and 9 has been moved online during the strike days. Staff unions say the walkouts will continue unless meaningful changes are made to ensure a safe, supportive learning environment for both teachers and students.
