British schools are experiencing an alarming increase in violence by pupils towards teachers. According to the NASUWT teachers’ union, 40% of surveyed teachers experienced physical violence or aggression from pupils over the past year. One in five teachers (20%) reported being hit or punched, 38% said they had been shoved or pushed, and 16% reported being kicked.
Over 81% of teachers noted a marked increase in violent and abusive behaviour from pupils, while an even higher share — 87% — reported a rise in verbal abuse. The union estimates the total number of weapon-related incidents (including knives and other objects) at around 30,000 per year.
Official Health and Safety Executive statistics confirm the trend: in 2024, 834 cases of violent injuries among school staff were recorded across England, Scotland and Wales — an 18% increase on the previous year. In some regions, particularly Scotland, the growth has been described as “exponential.” Teachers report regular incidents of spitting, biting, furniture being thrown, and even armed threats. In some schools in Greater Manchester, teachers have gone on strike due to daily aggression.
Experts link the problem to the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising mental health disorders among children, cuts to support for pupils with special needs, and a general breakdown of classroom discipline. Many teachers say they feel unprotected, as offenders are often quickly returned to class without serious consequences.
“Pupil behaviour has long been a problem, but in recent years we have seen an unprecedented surge in violence and abuse in classrooms,” said NASUWT General Secretary Patrick Roach.
The rise in aggression is leading to teacher burnout and people leaving the profession. Authorities and schools have yet to propose comprehensive measures that could reverse the situation. Unions are calling for stronger support, stricter discipline, and additional resources for working with disruptive pupils.
The problem affects both secondary and primary schools, with cases of aggression recorded among children as young as five. If the trend continues, the British education system risks facing a serious staffing crisis among teachers.