Between March 2014 and March 2024, there were 490 reports of serious injuries to school staff caused by violence, the highest rate in the UK when adjusted for population, according to figures obtained by Channel 4 News FactCheck from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The injuries, which include fractures, dislocations and loss of consciousness, were mostly recorded in primary schools, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all incidents.
In the most recent year alone, 91 serious injuries were logged three times the number reported a decade earlier, and the fastest increase of any UK nation or region.
Mike Corbett, Scotland national official for the NASUWT teaching union, said the figures were “hugely disturbing” and reflected what members had been warning about for years.
“That reinforces what we hear from too many of our members that serious incidents of abuse and violence are not being dealt with appropriately,” he said.
Corbett noted that while most pupils remain well behaved, teachers have seen a sharp rise in disruptive behaviour since the Covid-19 pandemic. He also raised concerns about some schools’ use of “restorative” discipline, which emphasises dialogue and resolution over punishment.
“Restorative approaches are fine for low-level disruption, not for serious violence,” he said.
Willie Rennie, Liberal Democrat MSP for North East Fife, said the statistics were “tough reading” and matched reports from parents and teachers in his constituency.
“The SNP have excelled at churning out long and ineffective guidance that leaves teachers no clearer about what action they should take,” he said. “Councils and schools should be empowered to respond to bullying and violence appropriately.”
The Scottish government said it was addressing the issue through a national behaviour action plan and additional support for pupils with extra needs.
“Local authorities carry the statutory responsibility to deliver education,” a government spokesperson said. “They are expected to implement the national guidance, which they helped co-produce to meet needs at school level.”
