Created on: 18 Feb 2025
For the first time, formal recognition of trade unions is growing in Scotland’s independent school sector, as more teachers see the benefit of establishing union branches within their places of work.
Last year, Hutchesons’ Grammar School in Glasgow became the first independent school in Scotland to formally recognise trade unions for collective bargaining purposes.
Since the initial agreement with Hutchesons’ was signed, more school branches in independent schools have been successful in winning formal trade union recognition from their employers. The latest independent school to enter into a recognition agreement with the EIS, and other trade unions, is Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow, a school with around 640 pupils and 120 staff.
Commenting, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “It is encouraging that more independent schools are now seeing the benefit of entering into recognition agreements with staff trade unions, with Kelvinside Academy the latest to enter into a formal agreement. Trade union recognition is a positive for staff, but also brings many benefits to schools by establishing agreed principles for consultation and negotiation between the employer and employees, as well as providing a process for dispute resolution where necessary.”
Ms Bradley continued, “Since the historic first agreement with an independent school just last year, the EIS has entered into recognition agreements with several schools and is in discussions with several others over formalising union recognition. The agreement with Kelvinside demonstrates to teachers and schools alike that partnership working between employers and trade unions brings benefits for all parties, and helps to create a school environment that is conducive to a sound learning and teaching experience for pupils and staff.”
Ms Bradley added, “We look forward to supporting members and reps as they begin collective bargaining arrangements for the first time at Kelvinside Academy, and stand ready to support teachers in other independent schools in establishing union recognition with their employers. Expanding trade union recognition is a key factor in gauging the sector’s commitment to Scotland being a Fair Work nation, which remains a stated priority commitment of the current Scottish Government."