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Great Ormond Street Hospital school governors walk out in protest over ousting of head teacher to end long-running strike
Almost all governors at The Children’s Hospital School at Great Ormond Street and UCLH have resigned in protest after headteacher Neela Moorghen was removed under a deal to end a long-running union dispute. The school educates children too ill to attend their usual schools, and the governors said their confidence in Moorghen remained, while their decisions had been overruled to improve relations with the union.
The National Education Union held 61 days of strikes, disrupting pupils’ education, amid accusations of union victimisation, bullying, unsafe working practices and a toxic culture. The school has about 45 teachers; one was dismissed and three suspended, and the agreement provides for staff reinstatement and efforts to rebuild working relationships. Camden Council has appointed two new governors to help stabilise the school.
In short
- Most governors resigned over the headteacher’s removal.
- NEU strikes lasted 61 days and disrupted hospital pupils’ education.
- A settlement allows for staff reinstatement and relationship rebuilding.
Explained simply
The Children’s Hospital School teaches children receiving care at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College Hospital who are too unwell to attend their usual schools. Its governors oversee the school, while the headteacher leads its day-to-day work.
The National Education Union represents teachers and organised 61 days of strikes amid disputes over staff treatment and working conditions. The school has about 45 teachers, and the conflict included one dismissal and three suspensions.
The dispute affected pupils’ education and raised questions about how the school supports children during hospital treatment. The agreement to end the strikes includes plans to reinstate staff and rebuild working relationships.