Glasgow independent school Hutchesons’ Grammar has become the first Scottish private school to grant union recognition, The Herald has reported.

Hutchesons’ Educational Trust agreed that NASUWT, the Educational Institute of Scotland and the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association be formally for the purposes of collective bargaining over teachers’ terms and conditions.

NASUWT’s general secretary Dr Patrick Roach said: “This is a historic step forward in securing the rights of trade union members in the independent sector to be formally consulted over their working conditions.

“Through working together we can make schools healthier and safer places to work in for teachers and better places to learn in for pupils.”

Last year, Hutchinsons’ teachers that were union members held a series of strikes over plans to downgrade their pensions.

A spokesperson for Hutchesons’ Grammar said: “Over the past few months we, at Hutchesons’ Grammar School, through the Rector, Bursar and Director of People, have been working closely with the trade unions to develop a Recognition and Partnership Agreement (RPA) which establishes a framework for both parties to raise, negotiate and consult on relevant matters.

“Today, we can confirm the signing of the RPA between the Governors of Hutchesons’ Educational Trust, the Educational Institute of Scotland, the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association and NASUWT Scotland.

“The school and governors would like to thank all those involved in developing the RPA, and we look forward to working together going forward to ensure Hutchesons’ continues to provide an exceptional education for all of its pupils.”

Mike Corbett, NASUWT national official Scotland, said: “NASUWT congratulates all its members for ensuring that the outcome of 2023’s pensions dispute and industrial action has resulted in a positive way forward within the school.

“Collective bargaining will increase teachers’ morale in their workplace and promote better industrial relations going forward.”