As President of the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA), I have been raising concerns about rising violence and serious disruption in our classrooms for years. I hear directly from teachers who are experiencing increasing levels of verbal abuse, physical aggression and intimidation daily. Despite repeated warnings from the profession, meaningful progress in addressing these issues has simply not materialised.
No teacher should face violence for doing their job. Schools must be safe environments for staff and pupils alike — yet too many of our members feel unsupported and exposed.
I also believe there must be serious consideration of what lies behind the figures now emerging. At the first behaviour summit organised by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, a clear warning was given that there was significant underreporting of violent incidents. We heard concerns that some local authority employers and senior managers actively discouraged staff from reporting incidents. Only accurate reporting can provide a true picture of the scale of the challenges school staff face every day.
The news reports now emerging demonstrate the level and seriousness of the issue that many in the profession believe has been minimised or overlooked for too long. This raises an important question about accountability and responsibility for the health, safety and wellbeing of staff.
We urgently need stronger support systems for schools, clear and consistent consequences for violent behaviour, and sustained investment in the resources required to support both teachers and young people effectively. Above all, we need transparency and decisive action to restore safe and respectful learning environments in Scotland’s schools.
The safety and wellbeing of teachers cannot continue to be overlooked.
Monique Dreon-Goold
SSTA President
The recent reports of teachers being hospitalised due to pupil violence are deeply concerning — but sadly, they will not come as a surprise to those working in Scotland’s schools.
17.02.2026 15:34 —
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Brave the big talk this #TimeToTalkDay.
Opening up about our mental health can be the first step towards getting help.
If you or someone you care about needs support, visit mind.org.uk/TimeToTalkDay
#TimeToTalk
05.02.2026 10:13 —
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SSTA Ballot on Industrial Action
RETURN YOUR BALLOT PAPER
If you haven’t already done so, please return your ballot paper as soon as possible!
The ballot closes on Friday 23rd January.
16.01.2026 16:52 —
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SSTA MUST DELIVER THE TEACHER WORKLOAD BALLOT
The fight to reduce teacher workload has reached a critical moment. A strong turnout & decisive YES vote will send a clear & unmistakable message: Teachers are demanding real, meaningful action on workload—now
ssta.org.uk/ssta-must-de...
16.01.2026 15:17 —
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Statutory Ballot on Industrial Action
Just over a week remains to return your postal ballot.
Every vote matters!
A strong result = a strong message: The Scottish Government must deliver on its promise to reduce teacher workload.
📮 Return your ballot now!
14.01.2026 16:25 —
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SSTA BALLOT ON INDUSTRIAL ACTION – VOTE YES TO BOTH QUESTIONS!
Your voice matters. Your vote makes a difference.
Why vote YES?
- Strengthen our collective voice.
- Secure better conditions for teachers.
- Show solidarity across Scotland.
Ballot closes: Friday 23 January '26
15.12.2025 16:18 —
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Scotland’s only specialist union for Secondary Teachers
If you wish your views as a secondary teacher to be fully represented, there is only one union you can join.
- Free Membership for PGDE Students & NQTs
- 50% off membership fees for new members
ssta.org.uk/join
18.08.2025 13:49 —
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SNCT Pay Claim 2025–2026 – ‘Late Again’
Scottish teaching unions have expressed their frustration over the lack of progress in pay negotiations. As a result, the deadline to implement higher salaries by the start of August has been missed.
ssta.org.uk/member-bulle...
15.08.2025 11:00 —
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Scotland’s only specialist union for Secondary Teachers
If you wish your views as a secondary teacher to be fully represented, there is only one union you can join.
- Free Membership for PGDE Students & NQTs
- 50% off membership fees for new members
ssta.org.uk/join
12.08.2025 08:24 —
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