The Stepney School Strike of 1971

Chris Searle, a beloved student-teacher, was fired from his teaching job after publishing a book of poems entitled ‘Stepney Words’ written by his pupils. Over 800 young students decided to take a stand, going on strike until they got their teacher back. The strike was spotlighted on national news and the kids gained support from parents, the Inner London Education Authority, the National Union of Teachers, and even Margaret Thatcher. More than two years later Searle was reinstated at Stepney School and the students were vindicated.

Read the full story here via Spitalfields Life, thanks Charlie Phillips for the tip!