Teachers and principals at independent schools are opposing the NSW government’s return of year 12 students on the basis the health risk is too great in the face of rising cases.

The Independent Education Union, representing Catholic and independent school teachers and principals, wrote to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday, calling on her to urgently reconsider the decision to restart face-to-face learning for year 12 on August 16, after the union was inundated with concerns from members.