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Violence in Edinburgh Schools Nearly Doubles
acropolis Diary
May 09, 2025
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Dear Readers,
I wanted to share an important update on a growing issue affecting our community — a recent report reveals a sharp rise in violence across Edinburgh schools, with physical and verbal assaults on teachers nearly doubling in just four years.
A surge in violent incidents across Edinburgh’s schools has sparked alarm among educators and prompted calls for immediate government intervention and greater support in classrooms.
Recent figures released by Edinburgh City Council reveal that reported physical and verbal assaults in secondary schools nearly doubled over four years — rising from 97 incidents in 2019/20 to 187 in 2023/24. Across all levels, including primary schools, the number of violent incidents has tripled, jumping from 964 in 2018/19 to 2,908 last year.
While the increase in primary school incidents was less dramatic, educators note that the severity of individual cases has intensified, with reports of pupils physically attacking staff and peers.
Teachers on the Front Line
Teachers have described increasingly hostile environments, with some reporting being scratched, bitten, or even injured by thrown objects. One teacher formally requested self-defence training after being repeatedly assaulted. Others have suffered broken bones.
A survey by the NASUWT teaching union revealed that 44% of teachers experienced physical violence in the past year, yet only 12% felt their schools took appropriate follow-up actions. The same survey found that female teachers were disproportionately affected, with nearly twice the rate of assaults compared to their male counterparts.
Blame on Online Influence and Lack of Support
Education experts and union leaders point to multiple contributing factors. Among them is the influence of online content promoting misogyny and aggressive behaviour, particularly among teenage boys. Teachers cite figures such as Andrew Tate as negative role models popular among pupils.
There are also growing concerns about the lack of adequate resources for managing disruptive students and insufficient mental health support within schools. Many educators argue they are being left to deal with complex behavioural issues without the tools or staff they need.
Government and Council Response
The Scottish Government has pledged to respond with stronger guidance. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth confirmed that updated national policies on behaviour management will be issued by June 2025. These are expected to include clearer procedures for dealing with violent students, including increased support for temporary exclusions when necessary.
Locally, Edinburgh City Council’s education convener Joan Griffiths reiterated the city’s “zero-tolerance” approach to abuse against school staff, promising that every incident would be taken seriously and investigated.
“We owe it to our staff and young people to create safe, respectful school environments,” Griffiths said. “We are committed to acting swiftly and decisively.”
Calls for Broader Change
Unions and advocacy groups are calling for a comprehensive national strategy to tackle the problem. This includes:
Mandatory reporting systems for violent incidents
Increased training for staff
Anti-violence and anti-sexism education for students
More in-school mental health resources
Without meaningful action, educators warn that school environments will continue to deteriorate, putting both pupils and staff at risk.
Warm regards,
Acropolis Diary