Teachers took 3,400 sick days after workplace assaults over two years

Overall, teachers at primary and post-primary level took more than 980,000 days of certified sick leave over the past two school years. File picture: Danny Lawson/PA

Teachers took more than 3,400 days of sick leave over the past two school years because of assaults in the workplace.

Figures from the Department of Education show 1,724 days were lost in the 2024/25 school year because of attacks on teaching staff.

A further 1,689 were logged in the 2025/26 school year up to the end of May.

The department data showed “leave of absence following assault” was far more prevalent among primary teachers.

In primary schools, there were 3,267 days lost as a result of attacks on staff during the past two school years.

That compared to 146 at post-primary level, according to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act.

Overall, more than 622,000 sick days were taken by teachers at primary and post-primary level in the 2024/25 school year.

For the most recent school year, the comparable figure was just over 611,000, but will be higher as it does not include June 2026.

The Department of Education said “occupational injury leave” became available to teachers in May 2025.

Since then, injuries suffered while working have accounted for almost 2,700 days of absence, mostly in primary schools.

Overall, teachers at primary and post-primary level took more than 980,000 days of certified sick leave over the past two school years.

A further 93,000 days were taken for self-certified illness.

The Department of Education said it did not hold detailed information on the specific causes of illness-related absences, such as mental health conditions.

While such records may be held by individual schools, they are not collected centrally, the department said.

The figures show almost 152,000 days of absence were recorded for pregnancy-related illness over the two school years, with more than two-thirds involving primary school teachers.

The overall figures covered primary and post-primary education but did not include teachers employed by education and training boards.

A department spokesperson said an occupational health strategy was in place for all schools.

It said: “The aim of [this] is to promote the health and wellbeing of employees in the workplace, with a strong focus on prevention.” 

It said advice was provided on wellbeing, bereavement, conflict, and mediation, while short-term counselling was also available.

An employee assistance service is also in place with a dedicated freephone confidential helpline available 24/7.