VIOLENCE in Welsh schools has reached a deeply disturbing level, according to Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, who raised the issue during First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) in the Senedd today. His comments come in the wake of the recent conviction of a teenage girl for a stabbing attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Ammanford, as well as a serious lockdown incident at Ysgol Harri Tudur in Pembroke Dock, further highlighting the increasing threats facing students and teachers across Wales.
Mr. Millar expressed grave concerns about reports of school lockdowns, weapons being brought onto school premises, and a surge in assaults on teachers. He was particularly critical of the Welsh Government’s changes to exclusion reporting guidelines, which no longer require the possession of a weapon to be recorded as a reason for exclusion.
Teacher recruitment in crisis
In addition to growing safety fears, Mr. Millar pointed to the mounting teacher recruitment crisis, warning that rising violence is discouraging people from entering the profession. Figures show that the number of teachers registered with the General Teaching Council has dropped by over 20%, with last year seeing the highest number of resignations in over a decade.
Call for urgent action
Following the FMQs session, Mr. Millar called for immediate action to address the escalating crisis: “The rise in violence in our schools is deeply disturbing. No teacher or pupil should feel unsafe, yet with reports of weapons being brought into classrooms and teachers facing abuse and assault, it is clear that more must be done.”
He criticised the Welsh Labour Government’s stance on school exclusions, arguing that softening policies sends the wrong message:
“Rather than tightening policies to protect teachers and students, the Welsh Labour Government has weakened exclusion guidance. There must be a hard and fast rule that carrying a weapon into school results in exclusion, full stop.”
Mr. Millar also blamed the Labour Government’s inaction for exacerbating the teacher retention crisis:
“Under Labour’s watch, school violence is up, teacher numbers are down, and educational outcomes are suffering. It’s time for the Welsh Government to take responsibility and deliver the safe, high-performing schools our children and teachers deserve.”
With concerns mounting, pressure is growing for the Welsh Government to implement stronger measures to ensure the safety of both students and teachers in schools across the country.
