The education system is facing a deepening crisis as teachers report an alarming surge in abusive behavior from parents, according to former Head Teacher Chris McGovern. Speaking on GB News, McGovern warned of a “gathering storm” that threatens the future recruitment and retention of educators.
“For 35 years, I witnessed this firsthand,” McGovern stated. “While I wasn’t personally assaulted, there’s no denying the situation is deteriorating.” He acknowledged factors like the pandemic and increased smartphone use may contribute to the problem but emphasized a core issue: “In any classroom, someone needs to be in control—and too often, that isn’t the teacher.”
A recent report by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) underscores the severity of the situation. The findings revealed a widespread pattern of abuse impacting school leaders across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Four out of five school leaders reported experiencing abuse from parents in the past year.
- Over 40 percent have taken the drastic step of banning parents from school grounds.
- Nearly one-third have filed reports with law enforcement.
The situation is particularly acute in Wales, where a staggering 82% of school leaders reported experiencing verbal, physical, or online abuse. A significant portion—nearly one third—in Wales indicated that such incidents occur monthly, and 14% reported weekly occurrences. A clear majority (86%) believe the problem has escalated over the past three years.
The report includes harrowing accounts from educators on the front lines. Debra Walker recounted being slapped by a parent and witnessing threats of violence against colleagues. She shared disturbing examples, including one incident where a teacher seven months pregnant was screamed at over a missing coat, and another where a colleague was spat upon. As she put it, “These are really horrible things to suffer.”
McGovern proposed two immediate steps to mitigate the crisis:
> “The first thing we need to do is eliminate mobile phones from the classroom. It’s an obvious solution, but unfortunately, the government lacks the resolve to implement it.”
He also suggested making the curriculum more engaging and relevant for older students, incorporating vocational training options for those not pursuing traditional academic paths starting at age 14. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial; otherwise, McGovern warned, the profession will be unable to attract new teachers, leaving a significant void in our education system.