JUST over half of LGBT teachers have experienced discrimination and abuse from pupils and parents, a shocking new NASUWT survey has revealed. 

Despite 20 years since the repeal of section 28 — introduced by Margaret Thatcher to prohibit the “promotion of homosexuality” in schools — 26 per cent of LGBT educators report abuse worsening since 2020, the education union warned.

Only about a sixth — 14 per cent — said that their institution provides training on LGBT equalities to senior management, according to the research, while just a third said their school has a zero-tolerance approach to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

Union head Dr Patrick Roach said: “With teacher recruitment and retention reaching crisis levels, governments and employers need to be doing everything in their power to make teaching an inclusive and attractive profession.

“But instead of being valued and respected, one in two of LGBTI NASUWT members report experiencing workplace discrimination. 

“Section 28 was a vile and morally egregious attack on LGBTI people, but while the law may have changed, it is unacceptable that LGBTI teachers are still facing prejudice, discrimination, exclusion and hatred.”

He accused Tory ministers of “allowing a hostile environment to flourish as a consequence of defunding, deregulation and stripping away of statutory protections on the enforcement of equal rights, and by paying lip-service to equalities.”

The austerity-hit sector has faced national strikes across Britain in recent weeks, as teachers fightback against years of plummeting take-home pay, underfunding and raising workloads.

Dr Roach urged the government to “join us in standing up for inclusive workplaces” by implementing mandatory employer training, more inclusive inspection systems and compulsory LGBT equality action plans.