Thousands of teachers attend Cambridge rally as part of fresh strikes in dispute over pay

Thousands of striking teachers headed to Cambridge today (Wednesday) for a march and rally in the long-running dispute over pay.

It is the second of four strike days announced by the National Education Union (NEU).

The first strike took place on February 1 and further strikes are due to take place on March 15 and 16 across the whole of England and Wales.

Almost 2,000 people are believed to have joined the strike in Cambridge today.

The Department for Education has said it expects headteachers to take all reasonable steps to keep schools open for as many pupils as possible.

Jonathan Lewis, director of education for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “Schools are again anticipating significant disruption. Even schools which are fully open will see some disruption to the curriculum.”

In Cambridge, Long Road Sixth Form College will be holding lessons online to avoid students coming in and facing disruption. However, it says students are welcome to come in and use the college’s facilities for independent study.

At Coleridge Community College, the school will be open to Year 11 students, but closed for the other year groups, who have been set work to complete online.

Vulnerable pupils and children of first responders in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 can attend Cottenham Village College, along with all pupils in Year 11.

The school will also be providing packed lunches for those eligible for free school meals, which can be collected at 1pm by the student or a parent or guardian.

At North Cambridge Academy, the school will close to Years 7, 8, 9 and 10, but will remain open for Year 11 students, who will have a full day, consisting of a mock exam followed by revision and homework.

Cambourne Village College will be open to all Year 11 students, with some selected Year 10 classes also running. The school will be closed for all other year groups.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Claire Coates said: “Many Cambourne Village College teachers are likely to be involved, as NEU membership at the school has increased by 25 per cent since the last action.”

Bassingbourn Village College, Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology, Chesterton Community College, Cottenham Village College, Ely College, Linton Village College, Melbourn Village College, Northstowe Secondary College, Parkside Community College, Sawston Village College, Swavesey Village College, and Trumpington Community College are all partially open.

Bottisham Village College, Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology, Castle School, The Netherhall School and Witchford Village College are open to selected vulnerable and critical worker children.

Dozens of primary schools across Cambridgeshire are also impacted with a number partially opened.

St Matthew’s Primary School, Shirley Community Primary School and Orchard Park Community Primary School are closed.