Violence against teachers in Aberdeen’s schools continues to be a serious and persistent problem, according to Scotland’s largest teaching union, despite an action plan introduced by the local authority two years ago.
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) surveyed approximately 800 of its members across the city, concluding that violent behaviour remains “widespread, frequent and harmful.”
More than 25% of respondents reported being physically assaulted within the past year, while more than a third said they witness violent acts on a daily basis.
The survey found that incidents remain “overtly physical” in nature. Teachers described being pushed, shoved, struck with objects, kicked, bitten and spat upon. A number of those incidents resulted in injuries requiring medical attention and periods of absence from work.
One teacher told BBC Scotland News that she feared returning to the classroom after enduring racial abuse from pupils “every other day,” in addition to physical attacks. The account reflects a broader pattern of anxiety and trauma reported across the profession in Aberdeen.
EIS Aberdeen branch secretary Ron Constable said the survey results pointed to violence in the city’s schools remaining an entrenched problem. “We still have teachers facing daily incidents of objects being thrown at them and experiencing pushing, punching, slapping, kicking, and biting,” he said.
While Constable acknowledged a marginal reduction in reported incidents, he cautioned that the figures may not tell the full story, adding: “The violence is probably being deflected rather than decreasing, as many teachers are developing strategies to navigate difficult situations.”
EIS Aberdeen City joint secretary Ron Constable told the P&J: “This report is grounded in the voices of teachers on the frontline.
“It cannot be dismissed as perception or misinterpretation.
“When members describe being hit, kicked, bitten, threatened or left unsupported, that is workplace reality, not narrative.”
The EIS report features many testimonies from Aberdeen teachers protected by anonymnity.
“I love teaching,” one said. “But I honestly don’t know how much longer I can cope with the constant aggression.”
Another added: “I have never considered leaving the profession before, but the behaviour now makes it feel inevitable.”
Another teacher said: “When I was hit, the first line of questioning was about what I had said beforehand and whether I had ‘escalated’ the situation.”
“It made me feel as though I was being investigated rather than supported.”
The findings build on a worsening trend in official data. Aberdeen City Council figures show that reported violent incidents against school staff rose from 592 in the first quarter of 2023 to 740 in the same period of 2024, and further to 928 in early 2025 – a 25% year-on-year increase at that point. Constable had previously described those figures as representing a six-year high.
Aberdeen City Council acknowledged the ongoing challenge. In a statement, the council said that while some progress had been made since the action plan was introduced, “there remains significant work ahead.” The authority has been working with unions on the plan, which includes mandatory de-escalation training for all school staff.
Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the council’s education committee, said: “I’m glad we are moving forward to respond as best as we can to the EIS survey. We’re looking at the best interests of teachers, support staff, everyone in the school community and the interests of the young people themselves.”
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The Scottish Government also reiterated its position on the issue, stating: “Scotland’s schools should be safe learning environments for all — violence and abusive behaviour towards pupils or staff is completely unacceptable.” The government added that work was under way with COSLA to publish a joint National Action Plan setting out required actions at both local and national level.
Trade unions beyond the EIS have also raised concerns. Mike Corbett of NASUWT Scotland said the situation in Aberdeen was “sadly representative of the picture right across the country,” warning that sufficient action had not yet been taken at cabinet level to address the scale of violence in Scottish schools.
