Strikes Pay Off: St Francis School Staff Secure Major Changes After Walkout

Teachers and support staff at St Francis C of E Primary School have secured a series of significant commitments from Kernow Learning Trust after six days of strike action.

The National Education Union (NEU) said staff showed professionalism, tenacity and fortitude throughout the dispute, keeping children’s education and wellbeing at the centre of their work despite the challenges.

Headline Wins for Staff and Pupils

The outcome of the strike has brought several key changes:

• End to excessive scrutiny – no more formal observations, replaced by a peer-to-peer coaching model with clear safeguards.

• Fair working time – a directed-time calendar agreed with the NEU, giving staff protection and clarity on workload.

• Improved behaviour support – a new senior leadership team call-out protocol and whole-staff training to ensure children’s needs are met fairly and safely.

• Better communication – daily notices and a new senior leadership team email system to ensure timely responses.

• Wellbeing and safety – use of the Health & Safety Executive’s Talking Toolkit to tackle stress and anxiety, along with termly ‘Laser Conversations’ and a new health and safety working group including union representatives.

Standing Strong Together

According to the NEU, these improvements only came about because staff took the difficult step of strike action and stood united throughout. The union said their solidarity has delivered lasting change not just for St Francis, but also set an example across the Trust.

The union also highlighted the dedication of school representatives, whose leadership and support gave members confidence and a clear voice.

A Message to Parents and the Community

The NEU said the dispute was not about pay, but about creating fair conditions for teachers and support staff to do their jobs properly and sustainably. Parents, carers and pupils are expected to see the benefit through calmer classrooms, clearer systems and staff who feel respected and supported.

An Inspiration to Others

The union described the outcome as proof that collective action can deliver results for education staff facing heavy workloads, poor communication or a lack of wellbeing support.

“This is a victory for fairness and justice at work. Our members acted with professionalism and determination throughout, and they now have the protections and support they deserve. We are proud of what has been achieved, and proud of the solidarity that made it possible,” said Martin Dixon, NEU Cornwall President.