More than two-thirds of teachers in Fife are actively considering strike action due to rising aggression and violence from pupils in the area’s schools.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), which represents the majority of teachers in the country has been gradually releasing the results of a recent survey carried out by the Fife branch.

So far, the local branch of the union has revealed that 94% have been involved in violent and aggressive incidents in the last four years and 61% have been assaulted.

Teachers also reported that violent and aggressive incidents were a daily occurrence in 48% of schools.

The ‘disturbing’ revelations have prompted teachers in Fife to consider leaving the profession, with the survey also revealing that the violence and aggression has impacted 81% of respondents mental health and wellbeing.

Now the latest results from the survey show that 69% of teachers are in favour of strike action being taken over the “unacceptable” behaviour of pupils, and on some occasions even parents.

Director of Education at Fife Council, Donald MacLeod, previously told The Herald that the issue of violence “isn’t unique to Fife” but that “a huge amount of work is underway to tackle violence” across schools in the area, in partnership with local police and health services.

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However, EIS members don’t believe that enough is being done to dissuade teachers from leaving or voting for strike action.

Graeme Keir, EIS Fife Publicity Officer said: “We are concerned that although this issue is acknowledged as a problem by Fife Council and the Scottish Government the resources to put things right are not being put in place.

“Teachers never take industrial action lightly and rarely have to take strike action but we cannot leave our teachers at risk. We will be looking at these figures on a school-by-school basis and working with the council to identify where more action is needed.

“We saw teachers agree on the need for strike action over behaviour concerns in Aberdeen last year. We want to make sure problems in Fife are put right to avoid industrial action, but this will need an increase in investment.”