Teacher awarded massive payout after pupil assaulted them with toaster and chair

LocalPolitics
2 Apr 2026 • 8:04 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A teacher has been awarded a six-figure sum in damages after being assaulted by a pupil with a toaster and a chair, sustaining injuries that required surgery.
  • The NASUWT teachers' union revealed this settlement as part of over £15.4 million secured for its members in 2025, covering various claims, including personal injury and discrimination.
  • Other notable cases included a six-figure out-of-court settlement for a teacher who contracted leptospirosis due to a rat infestation and a five-figure sum for a teacher injured by a falling whiteboard.
  • NASUWT General Secretary Matt Wrack criticised employers for failing in their duty of care, highlighting the mental distress and physical injuries suffered by teachers.
  • Separately, the National Education Union (NEU) reported an increase in pupil violence, with delegates voting for a national campaign to address the issue, following a NASUWT survey showing over 80 per cent of teachers observed increased violent behaviour.

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