Walton on Thames schools to close due to teachers' strike on Thursday

Schools across Walton on Thames and the surrounding area are set to be badly affected by the one-day teachers' walkout on Thursday.

So far Ashley Church of England School and Rydens have been confirmed as being completely closed as a result of the strike action being taken over the teachers' claim that their pension benefits are being downgraded by the Government. Both schools as expected to be open as normal on Friday.

Other schools in Walton on Thames will be partially closed on Thursday and these include Bell Farm junior and infants, Grovelands and Walton Leigh. Cleves just across the border from Walton on Thames in Weybridge will also be partially closed. Parents are being advised to contact the schools to find out what the arrangements will be.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT), the largest teaching union in the country, has defended its strike action.

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the NUT, said: "The action on Thursday is unavoidable and unless the Government starts listening rather than simply imposing its will, it leaves us with little choice other than to consider further action."