What's happened
Recent data shows over 5,200 incidents of violence against teachers in Scotland from 2019 to 2025, with hundreds requiring hospital treatment. Critics blame the SNP government’s guidance discouraging exclusions, which they say has led to increased assaults and declining discipline in schools.
What's behind the headline?
The rise in violence against teachers in Scotland is a direct consequence of policy shifts that deprioritize exclusion as a disciplinary tool. The Scottish Government’s guidance from 2025, which discourages permanent exclusions, has created a climate where disruptive pupils face fewer consequences, emboldening violent behavior. The data, showing over 5,200 incidents and hundreds of hospital visits, underscores a systemic failure to protect staff and maintain discipline.
This situation reveals a broader failure of policy to balance inclusion with safety. Headteachers argue they need the authority to exclude violent pupils permanently, a move supported by opposition parties but opposed by the government. The trend suggests that without decisive action—such as restoring exclusion powers—violence will continue to escalate, damaging staff morale and the learning environment.
The implications extend beyond Scotland, reflecting a wider debate on discipline and safety in UK schools. The current approach risks normalizing violence and undermining the educational environment, which could have long-term consequences for staff retention and student outcomes. Immediate policy reversal and clearer disciplinary authority are essential to curb this trend and restore safety in classrooms.
How we got here
Over the past six years, reports indicate a sharp rise in violent incidents in Scottish schools, with official figures likely underreported due to non-disclosure by some local authorities. The Scottish Conservatives highlight that the decline in exclusions and the government’s guidance to prioritize discussion over discipline have contributed to the problem.
Our analysis
The Scotsman articles by Murdo Fraser and the Scottish Conservatives provide detailed incident figures and critique the SNP government’s approach, emphasizing the link between policy and rising violence. The Independent’s Neil Pooran highlights the increase in incidents and hospital visits, framing the issue as a failure of discipline policy. Contrasting opinions focus on the need for greater exclusion powers versus the government’s stance against harsh disciplinary measures, illustrating a contentious debate on school safety and discipline strategies.
More on these topics
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Scottish Conservative Party - Party
The Scottish Conservatives, officially the Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party, is Scotland's centre-right political party and the second-largest party in the Scottish Parliament and Scottish local government.
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National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers - Trade union
The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers is a TUC-affiliated trade union representing teachers, including headteachers, throughout the United Kingdom.
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Miles Briggs - Member of the Scottish Parliament
Miles Edward Frank Briggs is a Scottish Conservative politician who has served as a regional list Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Lothian region since the 2016 Scottish Parliament election.
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Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is the devolved government of Scotland. The government is led by the First Minister, who selects the Cabinet Secretaries, who attend Cabinet, and Ministers with the approval of Parliament.