‘Discipline crisis’ as 11 teachers quit school in 3 months

A SECONDARY school has seen 11 teachers quit within three months amid fears of a discipline crisis.

We revealed last year that pupils at Graeme High School in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, were allowed to play on a games console during lesson time – as a ‘reward’ for bad behaviour.

Now sources claim a rash of resignations are linked to behavioural problems among pupils and insufficient support for teachers.

The school was criticised in January for cutting modern language lessons and telling parents the move had been caused by an ‘unexpected staffing change’.

Central Scotland Tory MSP Alison Harris said: ‘There was widespread scepticism about the approach taken at this school in relation to bad behaviour. Now it seems those concerns have been vindicated with the departure of so many staff.

‘Parents and children at this school will be hugely worried about these developments.

‘It’s an unacceptable situation which has to be addressed as a matter of urgency.’

The 11 permanent staff left the school between April 1 and the start of the new academic term, but with school holidays this equates to three months.

A source said: ‘It’s no wonder the school has seen so many people leave given the discipline issues. This kind of turnover is astonishing.’

A Falkirk Council spokesman said: ‘There were 11 resignations from permanent staff, the majority offered posts closer to home. None were linked to behaviour or pupil discipline.

‘The rest were internal changes of post, end of temporary contracts, probationer teachers ending their year with us and retirements. The leavers referred to resigned during the period April 1, 2018-August 2018.’

Last year, the school bought a PlayStation 4 for more than £300. Staff and some pupils were angry that badly behaved children were given ‘time out’ to play on a console while their classmates worked.

‘Unacceptable situation’