Four in five school leaders experienced abuse in past year, says union

A report by school leaders’ union NAHT has revealed that more than four in five (82%) school leaders say they have been abused by parents in the past year, leaving some considering “quitting the profession they love”.

The union has called on Government ministers to conduct an “urgent review” of complaints procedures, to deter “vexatious use” of the existing system by parents.

In the survey of 1,642 school leaders across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, verbal abuse was the most common form of abuse suffered, with 85% of school leaders saying they had experienced this in the past year.

This was followed by threatening behaviour (68%), online abuse (46%) and discriminatory language (22%), including use of racist, sexist or homophobic terms. One in 10 (10%) suffered physical violence.

The survey also exposed “widespread reports” of trolling on social media and in parent groups on Facebook and WhatsApp – alongside instances of “hate campaigns and harassment and intimidation”.

Some school leaders told the union the abuse had led to them considering quitting the profession, and had left some suffering from anxiety, depression and panic attacks.

In response to abusive behaviour, 42% of school leaders said they had banned parents from the school site in the last year, and around a third said they had reported parents to police (32%) and the local authority (34%).

80% of school leaders said they had arranged a meeting with parents, while 72% had issued a warning letter or email.

According to the survey, 86% of school leaders said abuse from parents had increased in the last three years, with 37% of those saying it had “greatly” increased.

In response to the survey’s findings, the union has called for the government to send a “clear signal” to parents that abuse is unacceptable in schools.

It also said complaints were being lodged with multiple agencies - sometimes before school processes have been exhausted.

Paul Whiteman, NAHT’s general secretary, said: “The vast majority of parents are very supportive of schools and in most cases the relationship between school and home is really positive. However, in recent years we have heard of a worrying increase in the amount of abuse school leaders are experiencing.

“[…] These are dedicated professionals, who work hard day in day out to deliver a first-rate education for children in often trying circumstances. No-one should have to suffer this sort of abuse in their place of work.

“It causes enormous distress for school leaders, their staff, and sometimes pupils, and is even contributing to decisions by good people to leave the profession at a time schools are facing a severe recruitment and retention crisis - directly affecting the quality of education children receive."

Whiteman added: “Where parents have concerns, worries or complaints, they of course should be able to raise these with the school, but this has to be done in a respectful manner. Put simply, whatever the situation, there is never an excuse for abuse.

“This also shows the importance of government treating the profession with the respect it deserves – too often teachers and leaders were publicly criticised and talked down to under previous administrations, sending completely the wrong signal.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Nobody should face violence or abuse in the workplace, including our incredible school staff who are vital to improving life chances for all children.

“As part of our Plan for Change, we are committed to turning the tide on poor behaviour, breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring every child can achieve and thrive.

“Our new regional improvement teams will work with schools to spread the highest standards of behaviour across our classrooms, and we are committed to providing access to a specialist mental health professional in every school. But we know there is more to do and are looking closely at how we can go further to support teachers and drive high and rising school standards for all our children.”

Lottie Winson