Violence against teachers in Aberdeen has soared by 25% in the past year, with new data revealing a record number of incidents and prompting urgent calls for action from unions, school staff, and local government. The figures, obtained by BBC Scotland News from Aberdeen City Council, show 928 reports of violent incidents against school staff in the first three months of 2025—up from 740 in the same period last year and 592 in early 2023.
The 25% increase is based on official Aberdeen City Council data reviewed by BBC Scotland News. The council’s own records show a year-on-year jump in reported incidents, with the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union describing the situation as a six-year high for violent and aggressive acts in schools. The EIS, Scotland’s largest teaching union, has also conducted its own surveys, finding that more than a third of Aberdeen teachers have been physically assaulted by pupils, and nearly half witness violent behaviour daily.
Why Is violence increasing?
The rise in violence is attributed to several interconnected factors:
Lack of Effective Strategies: Over half of teachers surveyed by the EIS believe their schools lack effective strategies to prevent or address violence, with only 21% feeling adequate measures are in place.
Resource and Support Shortages: Teachers cite insufficient resources, reduced support from specialists and pupil support assistants, and a lack of backing from both school leadership and Aberdeen City Council.
Reporting and Exclusion Policies: There is a perception that violent incidents are underreported, partly due to pressure on schools to avoid exclusions. The use of exclusion as a disciplinary tool is reportedly discouraged, making it harder to address severe cases.
Rising Additional Support Needs (ASN): The number of pupils with complex needs is increasing, placing additional strain on mainstream schools and staff.
Post-Pandemic Pressures: The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated behavioural issues and increased stress among both pupils and staff.
Teachers and union leaders have spoken out about the toll this violence is taking:
“Undoubtedly, any form of violent or aggressive conduct towards our members inflicts not only physical harm but also significant stress affecting their mental health and well-being,” said Ron Constable, secretary of the EIS Aberdeen branch.
One Aberdeen teacher, speaking anonymously to BBC Scotland, described the lasting trauma:
“Even when I’m in my bed, I’ll be thinking about what happened, or what might happen tomorrow. I’m still having nightmares after an incident – and that’s an ongoing thing. It takes over your life.”
Another survey respondent wrote in 2024:
“Authority support is not there. There seems to be deliberate ignoring of our concerns around staffing, wellbeing, provision and [specialist facilities] including specialist schools. We ask for help and no answer comes.”
Council and Government response
Aberdeen City Council has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and is working with unions on an action plan. All school staff are now undergoing de-escalation training as part of a new behaviour plan.
Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the council’s education committee, commented:
“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.”
The Scottish Government has stated:
“Scotland’s schools should be safe learning environments for all – violence and abusive behaviour towards pupils or staff is completely unacceptable. Work is well underway to bring forward a joint National Action Plan with COSLA to set out the range of actions needed at both local and national level, which we will publish in the coming weeks.”
Union leaders say the situation in Aberdeen reflects a wider crisis across Scotland. Mike Corbett of NASUWT Scotland said:
“The reports in Aberdeen are sadly representative of the picture right across the country… Thus far we have failed to see the cabinet secretary take the steps we believe are needed to stem the tide of violence and abuse in schools.”
Keir Greenaway, senior organiser for the GMB union, urged other councils to follow Aberdeen’s lead.
“Our members in schools are enduring threats and violence every single day and no one should go work in fear and return home relieved at being unharmed. Aberdeen has acknowledged these issues need to be addressed and taken the first steps towards change. Other councils should now be showing the same leadership.”
