School leaders are split over whether to move towards strike action, a survey suggests.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has released the results of its survey of school leaders, which asked whether the union should run an indicative ballot for action short of strike action and an indicative ballot on strike action.
Half of the school leaders surveyed said the union should run an indicative ballot on strike action, while half said the union should not take this step.
However, almost seven in 10 (69 per cent) of respondents said ASCL should run an indicative ballot for action, such as withdrawing from certain tasks.
Earlier this month, the union said it had asked members across the country if they would support a strike ballot - the first time they have sought views on industrial action since it was established in its current form in 2006.
The Department for Education has awarded experienced teachers - including school leaders - a 5 per cent pay rise from this month, but has not provided a corresponding uplift in funding to school budgets.
The ASCL survey was sent to 13,693 senior leaders in state-funded schools in England and the response rate was 16 per cent, with 2,203 responses received.
At least 50 per cent of eligible members would need to vote in a ballot for any walkout to be lawful.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of ASCL, said: “Our members are traditionally extremely reluctant to consider any form of industrial action, and it is therefore remarkable that a majority of survey respondents favour an indicative ballot on action short of strike action, let alone the fact that half back holding an indicative ballot on strike action.
“There is huge frustration not only over the erosion of senior leader pay over the past decade, but also over funding and teacher shortages.
“The government is refusing to give schools the money they need to pay the award to their staff, which will leave them with no choice other than to cut educational provision. In addition, real-terms cuts to teacher pay have led to severe recruitment and retention problems and many schools are struggling to put teachers in front of classes.
“School leaders fear this desperate situation will undermine educational standards and undo the work of their professional lives. They have had enough, and the result of this survey is a reflection of the strength of feeling that exists.”
Mr Barton said the survey forms one part of the consultation process, and the union would be talking to members in person at ASCL events and further gathering views over the coming weeks.
Earlier this week, five education unions published a joint submission to the consultation on the School Teachers’ Review Body report on teacher pay and the government’s proposals for implementation of the recommendations.
On Saturday, the NEU teaching union opened voting to members for a preliminary ballot over strike action, while the NAHT school leaders’ union launched a consultation with members over their views on pay and funding.
Meanwhile, NASUWT has said it is ”committed” to balloting its members on industrial action in the autumn term if an improved pay deal is not offered.
A Department for Education spokesperson said the department had confirmed ”the highest pay awards for teachers in a generation - 8.9 per cent for new teachers and 5 per cent for experienced teachers and leaders” which recognised “their hard work”, supported “with the cost of living”, and reflected “the need for sound management of schools’ budgets”.
“We recognise that schools - much like wider society - are facing cost pressures due to international events driving up inflation and global energy prices. Core school funding is increasing by £4bn this year compared to 2021-22, helping schools meet increased costs including rises in teachers’ pay.
“It is incredibly disappointing that some unions are threatening industrial action in schools. Strike action will impact children’s education, cause disruption for parents and damage the reputation of the profession in the eyes of the public. Given the impact of the pandemic on children’s lives, it’s more important than ever that strike action is avoided.”
