Teachers strikes 2023 LIVE: Industrial action forces schools to close as train & bus walk-outs grind Britain to a halt
INDUSTRIAL action has halted the nation's education system as a slew of, school, train and bus strikes plunged Britain into chaos today.
Teachers across England and Wales staged the largest walkout seen in Britain for over a decade at more than 23,000 schools today as they protest wages and working conditions.
And the walk-outs took place against a backdrop of wider strikes across the country on a day dubbed "walkout Wednesday".
Some 500,000 workers have downed tools, with teachers, civil servants, train drivers, security guards, bus drivers and airport staff among the masses.
And today's schools action marks the first of seven National Education Union (NEU) strikes, which will take place throughout February and March.
Read our school closures blog below for the latest...
Poll: Do you support the teacher strikes?
The first set of teacher strikes has taken place today after last-ditch talks failed.
More than 23,000 schools will be affected - with many shutting altogether.
Figures suggest that up to 150,000 teachers could be out on strike today and on subsequent national school strike days.
Do you support industrial action? Have your say in our poll below.
What is Walkout Wednesday?
Walkout Wednesday will also see 500,000 other workers stay at home in scenes likened to a general strike.
Train drivers, civil servants, university lecturers, bus drivers and even security guards will all hang up their uniforms in rows over pay.
Credit: Getty How parents and pupils will be affected by the strikes
Parents of school-aged children may need to take leave from work, or arrange alternative childcare, if their child has been told not to come into school on Wednesday.
Jonathan Broadbery, director of policy at the National Day Nurseries Association, has also warned the strike could have "a serious knock-on effect" for nurseries as staff may struggle to find childcare.
There is a worry some parents could remain in the dark about possible disruption until the morning of the strikes as that is when heads will have a full picture of how many staff have decided to strike.
Will my child's school be closed?
Some schools will have to close completely on strike days, while others will see learning disrupted
The decision to close schools will be up to the head teacher, although in Wales this will also be done in consultation with local authorities.
England
Schools should try to stay open, the government says.
However, many are likely to be at least partially closed.
Individual teachers don't have to say if they will strike and there are no rules for when parents must be told about closures.
If a school does open, there are no minimum staffing rules and heads can use agency staff and volunteers to cover classes. They do not have to stick to the curriculum.
Schools may choose to offer remote education to pupils at home, but this is not compulsory.
Wales
As in England, head teachers decide whether to close.
The Welsh government says schools and local authorities should ideally provide a week's notice of any closure.
It says it's up to individual schools to decide how best to minimise the impact of the strikes on their students.
Scotland
Almost all primary and secondary schools have closed on strike days. Local councils make this decision.
Find out if schools in County Durham will be closed HERE
Nearly 30 schools are set to close or partially close across the county today.
Aclet Close Nursery School – partially closed.
Acre Rigg Infant School – partially closed.
Bearpark Primary School – open for critical workers and vulnerable children.
Benfieldside Primary School – fully closed.
Burnside Primary School - closed to Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 6 pupils.
Castleside Primary School – fully closed.
Cockfield Primary School – open for critical workers and vulnerable children.
Cockton Hill Infant School - open for critical workers and vulnerable children.
Consett Infant School – partial closure.
Cotsford Infant School -fully closed.
Crook Primary and Nursery School – partial closure.
Deaf Hill Primary and Nursery School -fully closed.
Delves Lane Primary School – partially closed. Nursery, Cherry, Hawthorn, Hazel, Poplar, Willow, Elm and Beech classes will be closed.
Durham Trinity School and Sports College – partial closure.
Hamsterley Primary School – fully closed.
Leadgate Primary School closed to Year 1, Year 3, Year 4 pupils.
Neville's Cross Primary School – partial closure.
Newker Primary School – fully closed.
North Park Primary School – partial closure. Nursery, Reception and Year 5 will remain open.
Oxclose Primary School – partial closure.
Peases West Primary School – partial closure. Open for Nursery and years 5 and 6.
Roseberry Primary School – partial closure. Open for Y1/2 Doves class.
Shotley Bridge Primary School – partial closure. Closed to classes: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14.
Silver Tree Primary School – partial closure. Open for Y6 pupils
St Anne's CofE Primary School - partial closure. Reception and Year 1 will remain open.
St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College – only open to vulnerable pupils.
Sunnybrow Primary School - open all day for Class 1, until 12.30pm for Classes 2 and 3 and closed all day for Class 4.
Yohden Primary School – fully closed.
More school closures across County Durham will be updated .
Schools have to be 'creative' to stay open, says charity
Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust, which has 52 schools and educates more than 31,000 pupils, said schools have had to be "creative" to stay open.
He said: "The role of a school is not just to sit a child at a desk in a classroom.
"The role of a school is to provide that child with social and emotional content and support.
"And so if you’ve got kids in and they are playing football, or they are watching a film or they are watching a play, or they are doing some group games and activities, or they are just sat there with some youth workers, or they are just sat in an extended lunch, all of those things are good and important."
How will Sussex schools be affected by today's strikes?
Here is a helpful list of schools set to close, or partially close, amid today's strikes.
However, for confirmation, it is best to contact your child’s school.
- Ashurst CE Primary School in Steyning -fully closed
- Billingshurst Primary School – only open to vulnerable pupils
- Broadwater CE Primary School – fully closed
- Chichester Free School – partially closed
- Denton Primary School -fully closed
- Elm Grove First School – partially closed: Only those in Hazel (Year 2) Chestnut (Year 6) will be in
- Hassocks Infant School -partially closed
- Manor Green College – fully closed
- Nyewood CE Junior School – fully closed
- Ocklynge Junior School – fully closed
- Palatine Primary School -fully closed
- Polegate School -fully closed
- Shelley Primary School – partially open: with Reception, one Year 1 class, Year 2, Year 3, Year 5, Year 6 all closed
- Southway Primary School – open only to some vulnerable and other pupils
- St Nicolas and St Mary CE Primary School -fully closed
- St Mark’s CE Primary School – fully closed
- Tanbridge House School – partially closed: only open to pupils in Year 11 and vulnerable pupils
- The Angmering School in Littlehampton – partially closed: only open to Year 11 pupils
- Upper Beeding Primary School – fully closed
Cornwall council WON'T publish school closures
Cornwall Council has confirmed it won't publish a list of schools closed as a result of the strike action as it is not an emergency event like bad weather event like snow or a storm.
Liskeard School and Community College has said it will decide on how many students can be at school
Newquay Tretherras has confirmed that it will only be partially open
Camborne Science and International Academy has confirmed it will be only partially open to students
Truro and Penwith College's Facebook page said it would remain open “and we anticipate minimal disruption to lessons and other student support mechanisms.”
Penrice Academy in St Austell will only be open to Year 11 pupils.
Poltair School in St Austell has confirmed it will only be open to Year 11 students
Redruth School announced that it will remain open for its Year 11 and vulnerable students but closed to all others.
Penair School in Truro will be shut but Year 11 pupils will not be affected.
Some schools will stay open, while some will partially close
Some schools are due to close their doors to all pupils today as a result of the strikes, with children told to stay at home.
Other schools will be partially closed so they can prioritise children who would benefit most from in-person teaching, such as those sitting exams as well as vulnerable pupils and key workers' children.
In some schools, there may be little or no impact from strike action and they will remain open.
Headteachers will carry out risk assessments to work out whether their schools can open safely with reduced staffing numbers.
Last week, Mary Bousted, general secretary of the NEU, said the union is expecting "lots of schools" to close in areas where the NEU has a large representation - like London.
Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire closures
It is important you double check your local council website and your child's school to be certain of their opening status.
Harlington Lower School - closed.
BEDFORDSHIRE
Gothic Mede Academy - closed.
Check the County Council website for more information on school closures.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Heritage House School - closed.
The Mandeville School - closed.
A full list of schools and whether they are open or closed across Buckinghamshire can be found .
Cambridgeshire school closures
Schools across Cambridgeshire will be open, partially or fully closed, find out more or contact your school.
Alderman Payne Primary School - closed
Castle School, Cambridge - open to selected vulnerable and critical worker children
Orchard Park Community Primary School - closed
Shirley Community Primary School - closed
Wheatfields Primary School - closed
Union boss pins blame on government for school strike chaos
Dr Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said on Monday afternoon ministers had not engaged with teachers’ unions ahead of strikes.
She said: “Gillian Keegan has squandered an opportunity to avoid strike action on Wednesday.
“The Government has been unwilling to seriously engage with the causes of strike action.
“This is having consequences for learning, with disruption every day to children’s education. We can do better as a nation, for education, for our children, if we invest more.
“That is in the gift of this government. It should start with a fully-funded, above inflation pay rise for teachers.”
When are teachers striking?
On February 1 school staff in England and Wales will stage their first walkout.
More than 23,000 schools will be affected on Wednesday in the biggest day of industrial action for a decade – with many shutting altogether.
90 per cent of the NEU’s 300,000 members voted for Wednesday’s walkout, turnout was 53 per cent.
The action will be the first of seven days of strike chaos planned by furious NEU teachers in England and Wales throughout February and March.
Can you take time off work if your child’s school is closed due to strikes?
Industrial action hitting UK schools will undoubtedly affect your child’s education as teachers agree to walk out.
But school closures bring with it the additional worry of childcare, with parents concerned whether they can take time off.
But worry not – the answer is yes, you can.
You are entitled to take reasonable time off work to deal with an unexpected problem or emergency.
This is also called “dependant leave”, according to Citizens Advice.
Will Merseyside schools be shut today?
Parents are encouraged to check with their schools across the county.
- Archbishop Beck Catholic College – partially open to Year 11.
- Gateacre School – fully closed.
- Irby Primary School – fully closed.
- Kirkby High School – fully closed.
- Lawrence Community Primary School – only open o Nursery, Class 2M & Class 5B.
- The Liverpool Blue Coat School – fully closed.
- St Julie’s Catholic High School – closed to students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10.
- West Derby School – fully closed.
How many teachers will strike?
Over 23,000 schools are set to be affected by today's industrial action.
But how many teachers will go on strike?
Almost 300,000 teachers voted to strike, making up 53 per cent of the National Education Union’s membership.
With that in mind, at least that number of teachers are likely to down tools, with the possibility of hundreds of thousands more joining them.
Find out if schools in London will be closed HERE
People are advised to check with their local authority for information on school closures in your area.
Find out if schools in Greater Manchester will be closed HERE
Check your borough website or call up your child’s school for more information on school closures.
- Tameside – check with your school
Will schools in Devon be closed tomorrow?
Here is a list of all the confirmed closures and part closures in Devon ahead of tomorrow’s strikes.
Currently, nearly 40 schools across Devon will be fully or partially closed.
Fully closed:
St Margaret’s Church of England (Aided) Junior SchoolUplowman Church Of England Primary School
Whimple Primary School
St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, Bideford
Partial closure:
Withycombe Raleigh Church of England Primary SchoolSt Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Exmouth
Marwood School
Halberton Primary School
Sidmouth Church Of England (VA) Primary School
Seaton Primary School – closed to the vast majority of children
Queen Elizabeth’s
Cullompton Community College
Tiverton High School
Brixington Primary Academy
Whitchurch Community Primary School
Holsworthy Community College -closed to all students except vulnerable ones and students in year 11
Ilfracombe Church of England Junior School
Southmead School
West Down School
Berrynarbor Church Of England Primary School
Horrabridge Primary and Nursery School (Honiton Community College
Heathcoat Primary School
Atlantic Academy – Closed to Years 8 and 9
Decoy Primary School
Bideford College
Caen Community Primary School
Alphington Primary School
Bowhill Primary School
Ide Primary School
Ottery St Mary Primary School
Copplestone Primary School
Offwell Church Of England Primary School
Haytor View Community Primary School
St James School
St Thomas Primary School
St Gabriel’s Church of England Primary School
More school closures will be announced .
More strikes to hit Britain’s schools in February and March
Six more strikes will take place throughout February and March, as per the National Education Union’s plans.
Strikes on February 14 and 28, and March 1 and 2 will follow tomorrow’s industrial action.
Finally, nationwide walkouts in England and Wales will take place on March 15 and 16 if a pay deal has not been met.
How will Sussex schools be affected by tomorrow's strikes?
Here is a helpful list of schools set to close, or partially close, amid tomorrow's strikes.
However, for confirmation, it is best to contact your child's school.
- Ashurst CE Primary School in Steyning -fully closed
- Billingshurst Primary School – only open to vulnerable pupils
- Broadwater CE Primary School – fully closed
- Chichester Free School – partially closed
- Denton Primary School -fully closed
- Elm Grove First School - partially closed: Only those in Hazel (Year 2) Chestnut (Year 6) will be in
- Hassocks Infant School -partially closed
- Manor Green College – fully closed
- Nyewood CE Junior School – fully closed
- Ocklynge Junior School - fully closed
- Palatine Primary School -fully closed
- Polegate School -fully closed
- Shelley Primary School - partially open: with Reception, one Year 1 class, Year 2, Year 3, Year 5, Year 6 all closed
- Southway Primary School - open only to some vulnerable and other pupils
- St Nicolas and St Mary CE Primary School -fully closed
- St Mark's CE Primary School – fully closed
- Tanbridge House School - partially closed: only open to pupils in Year 11 and vulnerable pupils
- The Angmering School in Littlehampton - partially closed: only open to Year 11 pupils
- Upper Beeding Primary School - fully closed
Union boss pins blame on government for school strike chaos
Dr Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said on Monday afternoon ministers had not engaged with teachers' unions ahead of strikes.
She said: "Gillian Keegan has squandered an opportunity to avoid strike action on Wednesday.
"The Government has been unwilling to seriously engage with the causes of strike action.
"This is having consequences for learning, with disruption every day to children's education. We can do better as a nation, for education, for our children, if we invest more.
"That is in the gift of this government. It should start with a fully-funded, above inflation pay rise for teachers."
When are teachers striking?
On February 1 school staff in England and Wales will stage their first walkout.
More than 23,000 schools will be affected on Wednesday in the biggest day of industrial action for a decade – with many shutting altogether.
90 per cent of the NEU’s 300,000 members voted for Wednesday’s walkout, turnout was 53 per cent.
The action will be the first of seven days of strike chaos planned by furious NEU teachers in England and Wales throughout February and March.
Can you take time off work if your child's school is closed due to strikes?
Industrial action hitting UK schools will undoubtedly affect your child's education as teachers agree to walk out.
But school closures bring with it the additional worry of childcare, with parents concerned whether they can take time off.
But worry not - the answer is yes, you can.
You are entitled to take reasonable time off work to deal with an unexpected problem or emergency.
This is also called "dependant leave", according to Citizens Advice.
Will Merseyside schools be shut tomorrow?
Parents are encouraged to check with their schools across the county.
- Archbishop Beck Catholic College - partially open to Year 11.
- Gateacre School - fully closed.
- Irby Primary School - fully closed.
- Kirkby High School - fully closed.
- Lawrence Community Primary School - only open o Nursery, Class 2M & Class 5B.
- The Liverpool Blue Coat School - fully closed.
- St Julie’s Catholic High School - closed to students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10.
- West Derby School - fully closed.