A teacher who was dismissed from her role at a hospital school following a dispute with management has been reinstated by court order. Kate Williams, who taught inpatients aged 4 to 18 at the Children’s Hospital School at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and UCLH, was suspended in July 2025 for alleged gross misconduct and later dismissed in March 2026. Her sacking triggered staff strike action that lasted several months.
Judge rules in favor of teacher
At an interim relief hearing on July 3, 2026, a judge instructed the Board of Governors to reinstate Ms Williams and pay her full salary until a full Employment Tribunal hearing. Camden Council’s HR department confirmed she would receive backpay for the months since her dismissal. Ms Williams said: "I'm still in shock but I feel like such a weight has been lifted off me. For the judge to read about my experiences and find in my favour, feels like my life has completely changed for the better."
Union alleges victimisation
The National Education Union (NEU) alleged Ms Williams, a union representative, was suspended alongside three senior staff for speaking out about what they described as "chaotic and bullying management" by the headteacher. NEU leader Daniel Kebede said the judge ruled that her dismissal was based on protected trade union activity. The union claims staff have faced "an unprecedented level of trade union victimisation" at the school.
Background of the dispute
The Children’s Hospital School at GOSH and UCLH is an Ofsted-registered foundation special school under Camden Council but overseen by a Governing Body. It has consistently been rated Outstanding by Ofsted. According to the NEU, the deputy headteacher and two assistant headteachers were suspended on October 24, 2025, the day after Camden NEU submitted a collective grievance on behalf of 15 employees. The union says there has been no outcome to this grievance after eight months.
Parent praises teacher
Senay Nihat, mother of a boy Ms Williams supported while he awaited a "life-saving heart transplant," praised the teacher. "[Kate's] support was life changing, and without her he would not have been able to return to pre-school. I am immensely grateful for everything she did for our family and appalled that a teacher so dedicated to vulnerable children could lose her job after raising concerns on behalf of colleagues and patients," she said.
Strike action continues
Despite the judge's ruling, the NEU picket will continue this week as staff fight for reinstatement of remaining colleagues. Further strike dates are confirmed for July 10 and July 13. The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted the Children’s Hospital School for comment. Previously, a spokesperson for the Governing Body said they were committed to ensuring safety and conducting "thorough, independent and fair investigations." A Camden Council spokesperson said: "We are working closely with the school, the governing body and the union to consider the judgment and agree the appropriate way forward. Our priority remains the wellbeing of pupils and staff and ensuring that any impact on pupils’ learning is kept to a minimum."
