Industrial Action Up Date – Message to Parents – 26 June 2026

Dear parents and carers,

I am writing regarding the current industrial action by members of the National Education Union at Hanham Woods Academy, and the potential strike days scheduled for Thursday 2nd , Friday 3rd, Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th July.

Although we have previously suggested that an update would be forthcoming today by 9am, we have been informed by the NEU that this will no longer be possible. The explanation given is that the high temperatures which saw the school closed on safety grounds this week has disrupted working patterns at the NEU and made it impossible for the union to ballot its members on whether to proceed with the planned action.

NEU representatives have now informed us that the ballot will close tomorrow (Saturday, 27 June) at midday. We hope that they will be able to inform us of the outcome over the weekend.

I appreciate this uncertainty is a further inconvenience for families after a week of disruption to school routines, but we will provide a further update as soon as the union’s decision is communicated to us.

It remains our firm belief that issues raised by the NEU members can be best resolved with all parties in school, and that progress has been made within the school regarding the issues raised by union members. Regardless of the outcome of the ballot, we have assured the team at Hanham that we will continue to work constructively together to address the concerns they have raised.

I continue to be grateful for the maturity of our students during this period, and the patience and support shown to the school by parents while we work to resolve this issue.

Yours sincerely

Mrs K Cooper

Senior Principal