Workers at a secondary school in Nottinghamshire are preparing to strike over what they describe as devastating reductions to staffing levels. Teachers from The Priory Academy located in Eastwood, who are members of the National Education Union, will stage industrial action across two days this week, together with staff from seven other academy establishments across Derbyshire and East Staffordshire. The union maintains that cutbacks introduced by the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, the organisation overseeing these schools, would severely damage educational provision, increase class sizes and negatively affect the most vulnerable learners served by these institutions. A spokesperson for the trust stated they were sorry for any concern experienced and noted that conversations with union representatives were continuing in an effort to avert the strikes.

Union members are currently scheduled to strike on Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22, with six further strike days planned throughout the subsequent weeks. Nick Raine, senior regional officer for the East Midlands area, characterised the situation as extremely serious and without parallel. He explained that dedicated staff members were now facing significant job losses resulting from serious failures in management and governance at the trust, which had overlooked their concerns for many years. He added that the planned cuts would wipe out dozens of committed positions; posts crucial for supporting pupils would be scrapped, and salaries and employment terms would be deteriorated to such an extent that disadvantaged students might be denied vital assistance. Staff reported feeling disappointed and betrayed. Some indicated they felt afraid to speak out within their own schools. They now felt compelled to join together and defend their learners and establishments against a distant trust that appeared intent on pushing forward regardless. The NEU remained determined to struggle for the prospects of St Ralph Sherwin schools and was willing to find a resolution that served the best interests of pupils, families and the broader community.

Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive Officer at St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said the organisation sincerely regretted any worry arising from proposed staffing alterations at certain schools and recognised how strike action affected pupils and parents. He indicated they were pursuing all possible options with union representatives and employees at each school while still working toward achieving a sustainable financial position for the entire trust by September 1, 2026. He noted they had already implemented and remained committed to further initiatives to decrease costs and increase income. The trust had an obligation to guarantee that all its schools and central operations operated within their income and met Department for Education standards. They would continue engaging with union partners and strive to avoid any industrial action.