Teachers at Nishkam High School in Handsworth, Birmingham, are on strike for the remainder of the summer term and extending into the next academic year, opposing new curriculum plans that they argue will harm pupils' education.
Strike Action Details
The strike involves members of the National Education Union (NEU) at the Ofsted-rated 'outstanding' school. They are protesting against proposed changes that include reducing science and maths lessons, as well as switching exam boards for geography and history. Staff claim these alterations will strip away their professional autonomy and disadvantage students.
Specifically, year 9 science would be cut by two lessons per week, and triple science provision reduced by three lessons weekly. Key Stage 3 maths would lose one lesson per week under the plan to align with another trust school.
Staff Concerns
In a statement, striking staff said: "They feel that the current plans for alignment would disadvantage your children and they are not prepared to allow their students to be disadvantaged." Teachers assert the process has been "rushed and mishandled" without proper consultation.
School Trust Response
The Nishkam School Trust defends the changes, stating that curriculum alignment is about "bringing together the best expertise across our schools so that every pupil benefits from a strong, carefully sequenced and inclusive curriculum." The trust insists it is not about removing teacher expertise or professional judgement.
Impact on Pupils
The school remains open for specific year groups, pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and vulnerable students during the strike. The trust says it will implement changes on a phased basis through to September 2027 where departments need more time. Parents and carers will receive direct updates about school opening arrangements as the dispute continues.
