At least three schools in Braintree and Witham are affected by teacher strikes next week.

The headteacher of Bocking Church Street School, Rosalind Welch, has confirmed that it will be closed on 26th March due to teachers from NUT holding a national strike over pay, pensions and conditions.

Miss Welch said: “The majority of teachers will be striking and so we are having to close the school for health and safety reasons.”

Alec Hunter Academy, Braintree, headteacher Trevor Lawn has emailed parents informing them that Year Nine students should not come into school, but students from all other years should.

This decision was taken as most of the striking teachers were from Year Nine, although Mr Lawn warned parents that other years would be affected by the strike action and that they should bring books with them in case they do not have their normal lessons.

Jo Brook, deputy headteacher of Honywood School, Coggeshall, said that the school will be open to all years, except for Year Seven.

She added, “Cohort Seven will be studying at home and will be provided with specific learning in which they will engage.

“A member of staff will be available during every learning session to support the Cohort Seven youngsters via e-mail. This is so we can provide appropriate staffing levels on the day. This information was communicated to our community on Friday 7th March.”

The New Rickstones Academy, Witham, are open for years 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, but are closed for years 8 and 9 and Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form College is closed for Years 7 and 8.

Great Bardfield Primary, Braintree is also currently considering whether it needs to close, and might make a partial closure.

Schools who currently believe they will not be affected are:

  • Great Bradfords Infant, Braintree
  • Finchingfield Primary, Braintree
  • Edith Borthwick School, Braintree
  • John Ray Infants, Braintree
  • Holy Family Primary, Witham
  • Powers Hall Infant, Witham
  • Powers Hall Academy, Witham
  • Southview School, Witham
  • Hatfield Peverel Infant School, Chelmsford
  • St Andrew’s Junior School, Hatfield Peverel
  • White Notley Primary, White Notley
  • Chipping Hill School, Witham
  • Kelvdedon St Mary’s Academy, Kevedon
  • Stisted Primary Academy, Stisted

The other schools have not responded to requests for information or have not yet decided whether they will be closing.

Parents are advised to contact their school for the latest information regarding the strikes.