Number of violent incidents against teachers ‘deeply alarming’, say Tories

More than 5,000 violent incidents reported in Scottish schools across five years left teachers needing medical treatment, figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives show.

Freedom of information data reveals 5,222 incidents recorded from 2019/20 to 2024/25, with the party saying the numbers are “deeply alarming”.

Within the incidents, 225 required the staff members to attend hospital or visit a GP.

Some councils did not respond to the freedom of information requests, meaning the true figure may be higher.

The Conservatives said headteachers must have the powers to exclude disruptive pupils permanently.

Education spokesman Miles Briggs said: “These deeply alarming figures show how teaching staff are being betrayed by the SNP’s soft-touch approach to school discipline.

“Nobody should fear being assaulted in their workplace, yet that is the appalling reality for far too many teachers and support staff.

“This is why we have pledged to give headteachers the power to permanently exclude the most violently disruptive pupils from their school.

“They know what is best for their school, rather than unelected council officials.

“Our plans would restore some much-needed discipline to Scotland’s schools.”

He added: “The SNP’s guidance on violence in schools is full of waffle, and they have failed to act for too long on this issue.

“That’s left teachers, support staff and other pupils fearing they will be next to be attacked.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.