Labour and Co-operative MP for Rochdale, Paul Waugh, has welcomed the end of industrial action at St Cuthbert's RC High School after an agreement was reached between the St Teresa of Calcutta Trust and teaching unions.
The breakthrough follows talks facilitated by ACAS on 19 June, which resulted in the Trust agreeing to pause proposed staffing restructuring plans. Under the agreement, no restructuring will take place before September 2027 at the earliest, while a period of consultation with staff and unions is due to begin during the autumn term of 2026.
The NASUWT and NEU unions have subsequently agreed to suspend industrial action, bringing to an end a dispute that began in February and led to 21 days of strike action.
Waugh said the agreement reflected the outcome he had been urging for several months. The MP publicly called for the restructuring proposals to be paused in early May and had previously communicated the same message directly to the Trust in April.
Welcoming the resolution, he said:
“I warmly welcome the confirmation that the strikes are over, and that the Trust has agreed to pause its restructure plans. This is the exact outcome I have been calling for since early May, and one I put directly to the Trust back in April.”
Paul Waugh MP
The dispute has caused significant disruption for pupils and families, with parents reporting difficulties balancing childcare, work commitments and the uncertainty created by prolonged industrial action.
Waugh acknowledged the impact the strikes had on local families and students, particularly those preparing for examinations.
“Throughout this dispute I have heard from parents about the real financial strain they have faced, using up annual leave and savings, renegotiating their working hours, and making sacrifices to support their children's education.”
Paul Waugh MP
He added that Year 11 pupils sitting GCSE examinations had experienced particular stress and anxiety during the dispute.
The MP also welcomed what he described as a willingness by the Trust to listen to concerns raised by staff, parents and students, while emphasising the need to improve standards at the school.
“Everyone wants St Cuthbert's to succeed and no one would say that its most recent Ofsted rating of 'requires improvement' is acceptable. I am glad the Trust has listened to staff, students and parents about both the safety issues and the restructuring plans.”
Paul Waugh MP
As part of his efforts to support affected pupils, Waugh confirmed that he had written to examination board AQA seeking clarification on special consideration arrangements for students whose studies had been disrupted. He said AQA had confirmed that special consideration could be available for pupils who experienced significant stress and anxiety as a result of the industrial action.
The Rochdale MP has also raised concerns about Year 10 students who will enter their GCSE year in September after missing mock examinations because of the dispute. He has urged the school to ensure additional support is put in place for those pupils.
Looking ahead, Waugh said he would continue to engage with the Trust, teaching unions, the Diocese and the Department for Education, while also calling for a stronger role for parents in the governance of the school.
The agreement brings to a close several months of uncertainty for staff, students and families, with all parties now expected to focus on improving standards and stability at the school ahead of the next academic year.
