For the first time in history a headteachers union has started a ballot for strike action across England, over pay and conditions along with school funding and teacher shortages.
Members of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) launched the ballot on Monday and if they do vote for strike action then walkouts will happen until the end of January next year.
The National Education Union (NEU) in England are also to stage strikes on 5 and 7 July, which means that all state schools will see walkouts in the autumn half term, should both unions start coordinated action.
The NAHT and the NASUWT are also re-balloting their members after failing to meet the mandatory 50% turnout threshold.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the ASCL, said, “This is not a situation we ever envisaged being in, and the action being taken today is done with a heavy heart.
“But the Government’s failure to address the growing crisis in education and their refusal to reopen formal negotiations and agree a meaningful settlement has left us with no other option.
“We will not stand idly by while inadequate funding, teacher shortages and other challenges continue to disrupt learning and impact negatively on school leaders, staff and pupils.
“That is why we are asking all eligible members to make their voices heard and #VoteForEducation.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said, “Further strike action will cause real damage to pupil learning and even more disruption for parents right across the country.
“Thousands of schools are receiving significant additional funding as part of the extra £2 billion of investment we are providing for both 2023/24 and 2024/25 – which will take school funding to its highest level in history next year, as measured by the IFS.
“As part of the normal process, the independent School Teachers’ Review Body has submitted its recommendations to Government on teacher pay for 2023/24.
“We will be considering the recommendations and will publish our response in the usual way.”
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