EDUCATION is the last front-line public service fighting “dark forces of hate” bent on pitting communities against each other, a union leader said today.

In his speech to the NAHT headteachers’ union annual conference in Belfast, incoming president Dave Woods said that teachers and schools are the “last front-facing public service” that engage daily with local communities who may feel forgotten.

He said: “The world stands at a precipice, with the ‘dark forces of hate’ mobilising and organising all around the world seeking to turn communities against each other, rather than working together for common solutions.

“We are also confronted with the rapid rise of AI and increased automation, disrupting future employment for those now in school.”

The headteacher at Beaconsfield Primary and Nursery School in Southall added: “Conference, this next period of time is setting out the pieces for the future battles that we will have to face together.

“Battles that will require us to stand strong, to stand for what is right and not what is convenient, to hold firm against the forces of hate that would try to destroy the hope we cling to, by turning society inwards on each other.

“All of us in education are now front-line fighters standing up for decency, respect, civility and rights of all to live free from discrimination.”

In March, Association of School and College Leaders general secretary Pepe Di’Iasio said the way some politicians speak about immigration and social media platforms amplify divisions has left students and their families living in fear of racial harassment or violence.

National Education Union general secretary Daniel Kebede warned that teachers were reporting rising incidents of racism and discrimination in schools.