Teachers Strike Across Yorkshire, Scunthorpe Over School Day Extension Plans

Teachers across multiple schools operated by the Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) in northern England are striking in protest against plans to extend the school day by 30 minutes starting September 2025. The National Education Union (NEU) and NASUWT unions argue that the proposals increase teacher workload without addressing critical issues such as the insufficient length of lunch breaks, which currently hinder pupils' ability to eat, use toilets, and take breaks, negatively impacting health and learning focus. Union leaders emphasize the need to lengthen break times rather than the overall day extension and highlight staff morale concerns and the inability of teachers to take breaks during the current schedule. OGAT defends the plans, citing a 12-week consultation and alignment with Department for Education expectations of a 32.5-hour minimum teaching week, asserting that the changes will enhance academic success and personal development opportunities for students. Despite ongoing talks between the trust and union representatives, the strikes have led to school closures or remote learning days for many pupils. Both sides express willingness to continue dialogue, though unions remain firm on seeking improvements to working conditions and pupil welfare.