Trades Council backs teaching unions over strike action
As staff at two Horncastle Schools go out on their fourth day of strike action over proposed cuts and redundancies, the Lincoln and District Trades Council has expressed full solidarity with members of the teaching unions in dispute.
Staff have spent the last four days taking industrial action against Horncastle Education Trust over proposed cuts, redundancies, and concerns surrounding the management of the Trust.
Horncastle Education Trust, which employs about 300 staff and teaches about 1,600 pupils across four schools in the county, announced earlier this year that it needed to make cost-cutting measures after “financial challenges”, involving a “staffing restructure”, complete with potential job-losses.
This week Banovallum School and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Horncastle have only opened for those students taking exams on strike days. Frithville Primary School remained open, while Huttoft Primary School and Nursery opened only to Year 6 children so that SATs can go ahead.
The trust has said that, after a consultation period, it would not need to make compulsory redundancies, with seven staff voluntarily accepting redundancy or reductions in hours.
Bradley Wall, speaking on behalf of the Lincoln and District Trades Council, said: “The overwhelming public support shown through over 1,500 petition signatures demonstrates that this dispute is not just about staff terms and conditions — it is about the future of education in our communities and the treatment of the workers who keep our schools running every day.
“It is deeply disappointing that it took three days of disruptive strike action, widespread public concern, and a growing community campaign before Horncastle Education Trust finally agreed to seriously engage in negotiations through a reconciliation meeting. This situation should never have been allowed to escalate to this point.”
Mr Wall continued: “Workers have spoken about the enormous toll this process has taken on their wellbeing. Staff have faced months of uncertainty over losing their jobs, having their hours reduced, or being expected to teach subjects they are not trained to deliver. Support staff, teaching assistants, technicians, and cleaners have all been left fearful for their futures.
“Many loyal and dedicated education workers feel they have been treated with complete disregard and little compassion.”
Mr Wall added: “Education staff deserve leadership that listens, values its workforce, and acts transparently. When staff lose confidence in leadership to such an extent, it should be a moment for serious reflection. Instead of conflict and confrontation, school workers and communities deserve honesty, accountability, and meaningful consultation.”
Anne Thompson, NASUWT National Executive Member for Lincolnshire, said: “Academy trusts have been allowed to spend too much tax payer’s money on unnecessary layers of management. Money should be spent on frontline staff and education resources for our children.”
Diane Fletcher from National Education Union said: “The numbers on the picket line and support demonstrations show just how angry they are about the Trust proposals. Parents and community members have also shown great support. The proposed reduction in staffing and increased workload means children will be less supported and are likely to be taught by non-specialist staff. The Trust needs to engage meaningfully with unions in order to find a resolution.”
Ms Thompson, added: “Teachers have made every effort to minimise any disruption for pupils taking GCSEs and A levels and members on the picket line this week have been encouraging pupils as they turned up to sit their exams.
“If these plans go ahead, the standard of education able to be provided to pupils will inevitably suffer. Teachers are taking this action to protect provision for pupils and to stand up for working conditions which enable them to best meet the needs of students.”
A spokesperson for Horncastle Education Trust insisted: “Just three of the voluntary redundancies were teachers. This means that all lessons will continue to be taught by subject specialists.”
However, teachers will initially be required to teach slightly more lessons, in line with national terms and conditions.
While appreciating the contribution the staff make, the Trust said it had reached the point where keeping things as they are was no longer sustainable.
CEO Sandra James added: “We are committed to continue our programme looking at how we reduce workload and are doing all that we can to consider increasing PPA, which is allocated time for teachers to prepare for lessons, at the start of the September 2028/29 academic year. Trustees are also considering a joint working agreement and there is a commitment to establishing an open forum with employee representatives.”