The third and fourth days of strike action by NEU teacher members are planned to take place on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March 2023. The NEU is in dispute with the Secretary of State for Education with regards to their failure to ensure enough money is available to pay a fully-funded increase in pay for teachers which at least matches inflation, and which begins to restore lost pay.
As Headteacher, I have assessed the impact on the school of the strike action that are planned to take place on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March 2023. After careful consideration and consultation with the governing body, we have decided that the school will need to close to students except years 12 and 13, to continue with their mock examinations. Due to the number of staff involved, there will be serious operational difficulties and we will not be able to open school to other year groups.
This decision has not been taken lightly, but there will not be sufficient staff in school to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the students. The limited number of staff in school will be able to supervise a small number of students in addition to the sixth form students and we will prioritise those children who are vulnerable in some way or children of critical workers.
The sixth form exam timetable will run as scheduled and lunch will be available for all students in school. For students who do not have an exam periods 3 and 4, a supervised study space will be made available. For students in years 7 to 11 who usually receive Free School Meals, a voucher will be sent electronically to their families.
I apologise sincerely for the difficulties these arrangements will cause to parents and carers, but unfortunately these circumstances are beyond our control. If anything in this situation changes before the 15th March we will let you know as soon as we possibly can.
The school will open as normal on Friday 17th March 2023.
If you have any queries or concerns, please contact me via the school office.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine May - Headteacher

James Rothwell - Chair of Governors