A SECONDARY school in Poole could be forced to close with teachers set to strike over pay.

The headteacher of St Aldhelm’s Academy has warned parents in a publicly released letter that the school will prioritise certain year groups for attendance should disruption be significant enough.

As reported national, teachers in the National Education Union (NEU) have voted to take industrial action on several dates later this term in February and March.

Some teachers at St Aldhelm’s will take action on February 1, March 15 and 16 along with colleagues across the UK. Strike action will also be taken on Thursday, March 2, as part of south east and south west regional action.

The NEU, the UK's largest education union, says the strike will affect 23,400 schools in England and Wales.

Bournemouth Echo: Teachers to strike in February and March 2023Teachers to strike in February and March 2023 (Image: PA)

In her letter, headteacher Joanna Amos said: “As teachers do not have to confirm in advance if they intend to take industrial action, we may need to close the school to some or all year groups on any one of the above days at very short notice.”

 The following groups of students will be prioritised for attendance on the aforementioned dates should there be disruption:

  • Vulnerable children in all year groups – school will be open for these pupils
  • The children of critical workers
  • Year groups in the following order: Year 11, 10, 9, 8 and 7

Parents and carers are also asked to complete an online form on the school website to help planning.

Bournemouth Echo: St Aldhelm's Academy in PooleSt Aldhelm's Academy in Poole

Mrs Amos added: “If we need to close for some/any year groups, the school will provide remote learning for students to complete.

“We will also email a £2.50 voucher for a local supermarket to the parents of those pupils who are currently eligible for Free School Meals and who are not able to attend school on the day.

“I will write again in due course with further information.”

Talks over teacher pay between unions and officials at the Department for Education took place for several hours on Friday, January 20. According to the NEU, pay increases were not discussed.