By GREG HEFFER, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

Published: 10:44 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 11:11 GMT, 29 December 2025

Two of Britain's major teaching unions have warned of school strikes in 2026 as they prepare to battle Labour ministers over pay and conditions.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said there was a 'real possibility of industrial difficulties' next year.

He claimed that teachers may no longer tolerate the 'burden of pressure' being placed on them.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of NASUWT, said talks about strikes were 'inevitable' at his union's upcoming conference as he warned of a squeeze on school budgets.

The Government is being alerted to the prospect of fresh public sector strife following this month's latest walkout by resident doctors in England.

The British Medical Association oversaw a five-day strike in the run-up to Christmas as they continued their bitter dispute with Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

Speaking to The Independent, Mr Whiteman said teachers' anger about pay and conditions could similarly 'come to a head' in the coming months.

'Whether that's a walkout or other industrial action, I don't know, but I think what will come to a head is the whole package of difficulties,' he said.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said there was a 'real possibility of industrial difficulties' next yea

Matt Wrack, general secretary of NASUWT, said talks about strikes were 'inevitable' at his union's upcoming conference as he warned of a squeeze on school budgets

Mr Whiteman added: 'I don't think it will be just pay, I think it will be about workload and working hours and just the intensity and the danger of work.'

Although he argued the Government has a 'huge ambition for education', the union boss said he does not believe it has yet been backed up with 'the right resources'.

Mr Whiteman insisted warnings over possible industrial action were 'not sabre-rattling' but said NAHT officials were 'feeling the burden of pressure on behalf of our members'.

'They've carried that burden for so very, very long, I don't think they'd be able to tolerate it for much more,' he continued.

Mr Wrack, a former boss of the Fire Brigades Union, said talks of strikes were 'inevitable' at NASUWT's conference in April without improvements in pay and conditions.

In May, the Government accepted a recommendation by the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) of a 4 per cent pay rise for the 2025-26 school year.