Teachers at the Children's Hospital School at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College Hospital have gone on strike, alleging 'bullying and intimidation' after colleague Kate Williams was dismissed. The National Education Union (NEU) members picketed outside Camden Town Hall on Monday, April 20, escalating a long-running dispute between educators and school management.
Background of the Dispute
Kate Williams, a teacher and union representative with nearly 15 years of service, was suspended in July 2025 for gross misconduct. She and the NEU claim the suspension was baseless and retaliatory for her raising concerns about leadership. Williams was ultimately sacked on March 25, 2026. The school provides specialist education to inpatients aged four to 18 and has consistently been rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
Allegations of Victimisation
Williams stated the school environment 'turned sour' and that changes were pushed through 'for the sake of it.' She noted she had a clean record but was offered a resignation deal, which she refused. 'I was teaching children and then I just disappeared from their lives,' she said. 'The leadership has pretty much destroyed my confidence.' Three senior staff members have also been suspended since October 2025.
The NEU survey found 83% of members reporting stress attributed it to management style. The union described the dismissal as a 'targeted attack' on trade unionists. Teachers have now taken 28 days of strike action, which Williams called a last resort: 'If this was a mainstream school, we don't believe Camden would allow a 28-day strike. But because our children are sick, nobody seems to care.'
School and Council Responses
The Children's Hospital School, under Camden Local Education Authority since 1990, is legally overseen by a Governing Body. A council spokesperson said: 'Our priority is to ensure all pupils and staff in Camden are getting the support they need during this time and to ensure there is minimal disruption to pupils' learning. We're having regular conversations with the school, governing body and the union, as they seek to find a resolution.'
A spokesperson for the governing body added: 'We are committed to ensuring that all staff at the school are safe, whilst ensuring that all matters are investigated thoroughly, independently, and fairly, in line with internal processes. We are unable to comment further on these confidential matters at this time.'
