Potential Industrial Action - Hanham Woods Academy

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to follow up with you; last term I held several parent forums through our Year Groups alongside individual family meetings to listen deeply and understand the points of view in our Academy community. You offered me some feedback and thoughts on the Academy which were helpful as I sought to understand the situation at Hanham Woods Academy. We began swiftly working with colleagues and students on these areas to improve.

I am aware that there was a trade union ballot that took place in April this year, at around the time I joined the Academy. Since becoming aware, I have tried to secure a meeting with local and CLF NEU representatives to discuss the issues. It is disappointing to have to share with you that, without an opportunity so far to discuss the staff issues, we have now received a formal notification from the NEU. This communicates that members in teaching and support staff roles have voted to stage up to nine days of strikes between now and the end of term.

The dates provisionally identified for union action are:

18 and 19 June
22 and 23 June
2 and 3 July
6, 7 and 8 July

Union representatives have told us the NEU is taking action because its members feel the Academy’s Behaviour Policy is not operating successfully, and staff feel unsafe within the Academy.

The letter we have received makes it clear that the ‘Union remains willing to reach a negotiated settlement to the current dispute.’ I would like to assure you that we are prioritising engagement with our union representatives to understand and address the issues; this initial meeting will now take place on Thursday 11th June 2026. I feel it is appropriate to alert our families to this potential risk of action but remain committed to finding a resolution to prevent such events.

The news comes as a surprise, not least because of the extensive efforts made to address behaviour issues within the Academy this year. Indeed, many of the actions carried out this year have been implemented following close consultation with union representatives. It is disappointing that I have not, to date, been able to discuss matters.

It remains my hope that this strike action can still be averted, and we will be able to continue with our commitment for student learning and achievement through providing a quality education to all our students.

It is important that families understand that there is the potential for some disruption to our Academy should the strike action go ahead. We will be drawing up contingency plans to the Academy timetable and will share details of our plans in due course should we receive confirmation that strike action will still proceed.

I understand parents/carers will be disappointed to hear this news for our community, and you will be concerned about the potential impact on your child’s education. I will keep you fully updated throughout this period and make sure updates are communicated quickly and openly with families.

My unwavering commitment to bring about change within the Academy remains and we are committed to making Hanham Woods Academy the outstanding community school it deserves to be.

Thank you for your support at this time.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Kath Cooper | Senior Principal