A student at Tewkesbury Academy in Gloucestershire has spoken out about witnessing disturbing racist and sexist abuse directed at teachers by groups of male students. The pupil, who wished to remain anonymous, detailed instances of classmates making offensive Nazi jokes and female teachers facing misogynistic bullying, describing the school’s behavior policies as insufficient.
In an online statement shared via the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), the Year 11 student praised their teachers while condemning the abuse they endure. They recounted an incident in an isolation room where a teacher supervised a group making racially offensive jokes, with management reportedly failing to intervene effectively. The pupil accused the school leadership of tacitly endorsing these issues by not enforcing discipline, contributing to a toxic environment riddled with racism and gender-based intimidation.
The ongoing strike action at Tewkesbury Academy, now in its second week, has been driven by concerns from NASUWT and the National Education Union (NEU) that the school is unsafe for both students and staff. After initial strikes last week and multiple days this week that forced school closures, nine additional strike days are planned due to unresolved disputes between staff and school leadership.
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The pupil further alleged inappropriate conduct by the headteacher, Kathleen McGillycuddy, claiming that she attempted to sway student opinion against striking teachers on the first day of the strike—statements the school has strongly denied.
Tewkesbury Academy responded by emphasizing its commitment to anti-discrimination education through comprehensive PSHE programs and stated that no formal reports had been received regarding the isolation room incident or headteacher misconduct. The academy reiterated its intent to work constructively with unions and focus on delivering quality education.
NASUWT highlighted that the majority of teachers at the school, part of the Cabot Learning Federation, are participating in the strike due to threats, verbal abuse, and lesson disruptions caused by a small group of students. NEU’s general secretary, Daniel Kebede, who visited the picket line, reinforced teachers’ demands for a safe and stable learning environment, urging the leadership team to rebuild trust and address the underlying problems.