The NASUWT Teaching Union warned rising instances of physical and verbal abuse are affecting teachers’ morale, with 50 percent of surveyed members considering leaving the profession.
The 2024-2025 survey into behaviour in schools found that 40% of teachers experienced physical violence from pupils, while 85% were subjected to verbal abuse.
Backchat and rudeness as one of the most commonly displayed behaviours cited by 95% of teachers surveyed, alongside 75% reporting being sworn at.
A 31-year-old London-based music teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, explained how verbal and even physical abuse has become common place in the classroom.
She said: “I’ve had a student run into me on his bike, eggs thrown at the wall and kids swear at me.
“These incidents have left me feeling both uncomfortable and threatened.”
The south west London resident explained managing these behaviours has made her question the longevity of teaching as a career.
She said: “As a teacher, you’re passionate about sharing your knowledge with students.
“However, when they behave in a disrespectful way, you feel like you’re being taken advantage of.
“I not only want to feel safe in the workplace, but valued too.”
She explained that despite receiving support from the senior leadership team (SLT), they struggled to tackle instances of poor behaviour.
She said: “When I didn’t manage to control student behaviour, I was sometimes indirectly made to feel like I was at fault.”
NASUWT’s report found only 18% of teachers surveyed felt that appropriate action and support was given after reporting a behaviour incident.
A primary school teacher, based in Oxford, explained that she’d encountered similar instances of challenging and defiant behaviour.
The 25-year-old said: “I’ve had kids refuse to do their work and then rip it up in front of me.
“I’ve even had a kid dig her nails into my skin.
“Both myself and many of my colleagues have been sworn at by the children that we teach.”
The primary school teacher emphasised that the detrimental emotional tools behind dealing with these behaviours has made her consider an alternative career.
She said: “It leaves you feeling incredibly drained and hopeless.
“I also find it to be taxing on my relationships outside of work.”
An overwhelming majority of NASUWT members believe that pupils with behavioural issues need to be moved into specialist provisions, which can better meets their needs.
Members also identified more support from parents, school leaders and external agencies like CAMHS is needed to tackle the verbal and physical abuse taking place across UK schools.
The union outlined their ongoing commitment to working with stakeholders, alongside encouraging the government to strengthen their guidance on behaviour management to tackle the teacher retention crisis.
Feature image: Free to use from Unsplash
