Tewkesbury Academy is facing another wave of teacher strikes amid continuing concerns over poor behaviour by a minority of pupils. The school’s principal, Kathleen McGillycuddy, described the situation as a “huge disappointment” as further disruptions threaten students’ education.
The secondary school on Tewkesbury’s outskirts has grappled with a dispute focused on abusive and disruptive conduct from some pupils. Teachers cite these behaviours as the catalyst for the industrial action, which began in early February and now is set to continue.
In a recent letter to parents and guardians, Principal McGillycuddy announced a new series of six strike days scheduled for May 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21. These strikes involve members of the National Education Union (NEU), which, alongside NASUWT, has organized previous walkouts.
“The decision to proceed with further strikes is deeply disappointing,” McGillycuddy wrote. “Despite extensive efforts to address the unions’ concerns and implement a new behaviour policy, the NEU continues to believe strike action is necessary.”
She reassured families that the school remains committed to working constructively with union representatives to resolve the dispute swiftly for the benefit of students, their families, and staff members who have endeavoured to maintain continuity during this difficult period.
The NEU has yet to respond to requests for comment.
The principal highlighted ongoing discussions with union representatives to assess the impact of the recently introduced behaviour policy. While the school feels positive progress is being made, union members have expressed continuing reservations, resulting in the vote for further strike days.
Wendy Exton, NASUWT’s national executive member for Gloucestershire, commented: “We currently have no further strike dates planned. After Easter, we withdrew planned strike dates following the agreement of a new behaviour policy between the school and unions. We are monitoring the situation closely and will consider reballoting if promised improvements in behaviour management are not sustained.”