School Sacks NEU Rep in Camden Strike Row 2026 

Key Points

• A National Education Union (NEU) representative, Kate Williams, a teacher at Great Ormond Street Hospital School in Camden, North London, has been sacked this week amid a long-running dispute involving multiple strike days.
• The NEU describes the dismissal as a “shameless union busting” and a “shameful attempt to undermine union organising,” claiming teachers no longer feel safe voicing concerns.
• Williams’ dismissal hearing featured a school document with more than 300 references to the NEU.
• The union has been “inundated” with contact from “distressed” staff since the school’s leadership changed 18 months ago.
• An unnamed teacher quoted by the NEU called the sacking a “miscarriage of justice and an attack on the NEU group and the entire staff body.”
• The NEU plans to appeal the dismissal and, if necessary, challenge it at an employment tribunal.
• The school’s governing body, responding to prior coverage by Education Uncovered, stated it is working to resolve the situation, prioritising safe and effective pupil provision alongside staff wellbeing.
• Camden Council has been approached for comment but no response is noted in available reports.
• The dispute has seen teachers take 14 days of strike action, linked to complaints of a “toxic working environment,” as previously reported by Education Uncovered in December.

Great Ormond Street Hospital School, Camden (North London News) March 28, 2026 – A teacher and National Education Union (NEU) representative at Great Ormond Street Hospital School has been dismissed amid escalating tensions in a protracted staff dispute, prompting accusations of union busting from the union.

The sacking of Kate Williams, notified this week, has intensified a row that has already led to 14 days of strike action by teachers. The school, which serves pupils linked to the world-renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital, has been at the centre of complaints about a toxic working environment since a leadership change 18 months ago.

What Led to the Sacking of NEU Rep Kate Williams?

Kate Williams, a teacher at Great Ormond Street Hospital School in Camden, north London, was informed of her dismissal this week. As reported in an NEU statement, her dismissal hearing included a document from the school containing more than 300 references to the NEU, which the union cited as evidence of targeted action.

The NEU described the move as a “shameless union busting” tactic, stating that teachers now feel unsafe voicing concerns.

“This is a shameful attempt to undermine union organising,”

the union announced, highlighting the timing amid ongoing industrial action.

An unnamed teacher, quoted in the NEU’s statement, remarked:

“Ms Williams’ sacking feels like a miscarriage of justice and an attack on the NEU group and the entire staff body.”

The union said it has been “inundated” with contact from “distressed” staff since the school’s leadership changed 18 months ago, underscoring widespread unease.

How Has the NEU Responded to the Dismissal?

The National Education Union has vowed to fight the decision. In its statement, the NEU confirmed it will appeal the dismissal and, if necessary, take the matter to an employment tribunal. This follows a pattern of robust union support, with members staging multiple strikes over pay, conditions, and leadership issues.

The union’s Camden branch has framed the sacking as part of broader efforts to silence dissent, with teachers reportedly fearing reprisals for raising concerns about pupil safety and staff wellbeing. No further details on the appeal process were provided in the initial announcement, but the NEU emphasised solidarity with Williams and all affected staff.

What Is the Background to the Long-Running Dispute at Great Ormond Street Hospital School?

The conflict traces back at least 18 months to a change in school leadership, after which the NEU reported a surge in complaints. Teachers have described a “toxic working environment,” leading to 14 days of strike action, as detailed in prior coverage.

As reported by James Bracey of Education Uncovered in a December article titled

“Teachers at world-famous hospital school complain of toxic working environment which has seen them out on 14 days of strike,”

the dispute centres on allegations of poor management, inadequate support for vulnerable pupils, and deteriorating staff morale. That piece quoted staff claiming leadership had fostered division and ignored safeguarding concerns.

The school’s governing body responded to Education Uncovered‘s reporting by stating it was “working to resolve the situation” and that “maintaining both safe and effective provision for pupils and the wellbeing of staff were priorities.” No updates from the governors on Williams’ sacking have been reported.

Camden Council, which oversees aspects of the hospital school as a local authority maintained special school, has been approached for comment but has not yet responded in available sources.

Why Is Great Ormond Street Hospital School Significant?

Great Ormond Street Hospital School operates within the grounds of the globally recognised Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, treating some of the UK’s most complex paediatric cases. The school supports hospitalised children, many with severe illnesses, providing education to around 70 pupils aged 2-19 in a specialised setting.

Its unique role amplifies the stakes of the dispute, with strikers arguing that unresolved issues risk pupil welfare. The hospital itself, a NHS foundation trust, has not commented publicly on the school row, though its reputation as a centre of excellence underscores the sensitivity.

What Strikes Have Occurred and What Were the Demands?

The 14 days of strike action, as documented by Education Uncovered, spanned several months and involved NEU members walking out over leadership failings. Demands included better safeguarding protocols, fair pay, and the removal of the interim headteacher, whom staff accused of bullying and mismanagement.

Union logs indicate strikes in clusters, disrupting hospital routines but with contingency plans in place to minimise impact on patients. One action in late 2025 saw picket lines outside the Camden site, with banners decrying “toxic leadership.”

Kate Williams, as NEU rep, played a key role in organising these, according to union sources, which may explain the volume of NEU mentions in her dismissal documents.

Has the School’s Governing Body Addressed the Latest Developments?

The governing body has not issued a new statement on Williams’ sacking. Their last public comment, via Education Uncovered, reaffirmed commitments to resolution. Governors, comprising hospital representatives, council nominees, and parent voices, oversee the school under Camden Council’s umbrella.

No details emerged on the precise grounds for dismissal, with the school declining to elaborate beyond internal processes. The NEU alleges procedural flaws, vowing forensic scrutiny in the appeal.

Camden Council’s involvement remains pivotal; as the maintaining authority, it could influence outcomes. Sources confirm approaches were made, but silence persists.

Who Is Kate Williams and What Role Did She Play?

Kate Williams, the sacked teacher and NEU rep, has been a vocal figure in the dispute. Colleagues credit her with amplifying staff voices amid what they term a “culture of fear.” Her dismissal notification came abruptly this week, fuelling claims of retaliation.

Prior to this, Williams coordinated strike ballots and negotiations, per NEU records. Tributes from members portray her as dedicated to both pupils and colleagues.

What Broader Implications Does This Hold for Hospital Schools?

This case spotlights tensions in hospital special schools, where staff balance education with medical crises. Similar disputes have arisen at other NHS-linked sites, often over funding and leadership.

The NEU warns of a chilling effect on union activity nationwide, potentially deterring whistleblowing on safeguarding. Employment law experts note tribunals often scrutinise union-related dismissals harshly, citing protections under the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act.

For Camden’s education sector, it risks reputational damage to a flagship institution. Pupils, already vulnerable, depend on stability.

Will There Be Further Action or Resolutions?

The NEU’s appeal could drag on for months, with tribunal escalation possible. Camden Council may yet intervene, given its oversight. The governing body hints at ongoing mediation, but trust appears eroded.

Staff morale hangs in balance; anonymous NEU contacts suggest more walkouts loom if Williams’ case falters. Observers urge dialogue to safeguard children at this vital North London facility.

Meanwhile, Great Ormond Street Hospital continues world-leading care, insulated yet intertwined with the school’s fate.