Teachers at Connaught School for Girls in east London have taken 45 days of strike action since 2022, largely in response to concerns over management practices, proposed redundancies, workload pressures, and what union members describe as trade union victimisation. The strikes have significantly disrupted the school, contributing to declining pupil numbers and staff turnover, with the school now on its fourth head teacher since 2019.

Paul Phillips, the school’s National Education Union (NEU) representative and a PSHE teacher, is reportedly facing potential redundancy. Phillips, who serves as joint branch secretary and divides his time between teaching and union duties, has been a prominent figure in the dispute. Sources allege he expressed jubilation at the departure of previous head teachers amid the ongoing tensions, while he has also circulated materials warning families about difficulties at the school. Phillips denied wrongdoing, asserting that Muslim and disabled teachers and union representatives have been disproportionately targeted for redundancy.

The latest series of strikes began last month, lasting seven weeks and coinciding with the start of the GCSE exams. The industrial action was triggered by claims of unfair managerial conduct and increasing workloads. The picket line at Connaught has included teachers at various levels, members of the rail union RMT, as well as political candidates from Green and independent parties. In response to the strikes, the school employed agency staff to cover absences, prompting further picketing at the recruitment agencies. Reports indicate that two agencies have ceased supplying staff following union pressure.

NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede was seen supporting activists protesting outside one of the agencies, where slogans such as “Stop the scabbing” and “What’s disgusting? Union busting!” were chanted. He described the agencies’ withdrawal as a significant win for the union, highlighting concerns that agency workers undermine lawful industrial action.

The extended strike action has drawn frustration from pupils and parents. A group of students initiated counterprotests, which reportedly grew to around 200 participants by the third day, expressing dissatisfaction with the disruption and supporting the school’s senior leadership team. Parents, meanwhile, report widespread reliance on private tutoring to compensate for the effect of strikes on their children’s education. One parent expressed pride in the students’ activism while criticizing the local NEU branch for allegedly mocking pupils who questioned the industrial action.

The ongoing conflict has had a visible impact on the school’s enrolment. While applications for secondary schools across Waltham Forest have risen by 2.7 percent, fewer than half of Connaught’s available places this year will be filled by first-choice applicants, a decrease from previous years. This decline is expected to affect the school’s budget further.

The NEU has stated that strike action at Connaught was initiated following member votes prompted by concerns over compulsory redundancies and workload challenges but added that strikes have been suspended as talks continue. The union reiterated that agency workers should not be used to undermine legal industrial action. It also confirmed an indicative ballot is underway among members in Waltham Forest concerning maternity leave strikes and workload issues.

On behalf of Phillips, the NEU emphasized that representatives act on behalf of elected members and that no strike takes place without formal ballots, urging that union officials should not be targeted for raising legitimate concerns. The school declined to comment on the situation.