A Year 11 pupil at Tewkesbury Academy in Gloucestershire has come forward to support teachers striking over safety concerns, revealing disturbing incidents of racist and sexist abuse from groups of male students. The pupil, who wishes to remain anonymous, described witnessing classmates making “Nazi jokes” and female teachers being subjected to relentless misogyny.
In a poignant statement shared via the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), the student recounted being personally affected by inadequate behaviour policies that have allowed such harmful conduct to persist. They detailed experiences of “disgusting Nazi and racially offensive jokes” going unaddressed during isolation, and teachers, especially women, being mocked and intimidated by student “gangs” to the point of tears.
The pupil expressed frustration over the school’s management, suggesting that a lack of control is not just negligence but tacit endorsement: “There is a problem with racism and misogyny especially towards teachers… As a student myself, I cannot express how much it affects my learning.” They added that many students have lost motivation due to the school’s poor reputation and ineffective discipline.
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Furthermore, the student alleged that during the first strike day, the headteacher disparaged striking teachers in front of arriving students, calling them “weird,” a move the pupil found embarrassing and divisive. However, Tewkesbury Academy has denied these allegations, stating no reports have been received about the isolation incident or inappropriate conduct by the headteacher, Kathleen McGillycuddy.
The academy emphasized its commitment to combating discrimination and maintaining clear channels for reporting concerns. It also reaffirmed its focus on constructive negotiations with unions to bring stability and quality education back to the school.
Teachers at Tewkesbury Academy, represented by NASUWT and the National Education Union (NEU), have been striking for two weeks amid claims the school environment is unsafe due to staffing cuts and inconsistent behaviour management. The union reports that a minority of students threaten and verbally abuse staff while disrupting classes and sometimes skipping school.
NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede joined the picket line, highlighting the community’s backing for teachers demanding a safer and more stable learning environment. He called on school leadership to rebuild trust and address the serious issues raised.