Relief as teachers in England settle for 6.5% – but there may be battles ahead

Striking members of the National Education Union (NEU) on Piccadilly march to a rally in Trafalgar Square, in central London, in March. Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA

Ministers will have heaved a huge sigh of relief to see teachers and school leaders in England vote to accept a 6.5% pay offer and end strike action in state schools in England.

After months of disruption as a result of strikes by members of the National Education Union (NEU), there were real fears in government of an escalation of the dispute, with coordinated strike action in the autumn term by four unions.