TEACHERS in state schools across North Yorkshire will strike today (Wednesday)

It means that schools will either close for the day or see classrooms disrupted if they decide to remain open.

The National Education Union (NEU), which is the largest teaching union in the country, is behind the industrial action that will affect schools in England and Wales.

More than 120,000 of its members voted to strike in a ballot with a 90 per cent majority.

It is the latest strike to hit the UK this winter that has also seen nurses, rail workers, postal staff and paramedics join picket lines.

If the union doesn’t reach an agreement over pay with the Government, there are three more days of industrial action planned at schools in Yorkshire on the following dates:

l Tuesday, February 28

l Wednesday, March 15

l Thursday, March 16

Norton College and Ryedale School have said they will remain open as usual.

Malton School will also be open, but to restricted year groups.

Lady Lumley’s in Pickering has also said it will only be open to students in Years 11 and 13.

Brian Crosby, CEO of Coast and Vale Learning Trust, of which Lady Lumley’s is part of, said: “Coast and Vale Learning Trust wants as many children and young people as possible in school.

“We understand parental concerns regarding the upcoming strike on February 1.

“However, we also appreciate that many teachers feel genuinely aggrieved by the current offer from the Government. They have taken a legal ballot to express their right to strike.”

Brian added: “Where a school has to send students home, every effort will be made to provide education for our young people taking examinations and the most vulnerable students.

“We will also provide free school meals for those in receipt of pupil premium. We can only hope that a national resolution can be found by the time of the next industrial action on February 28.”

Clair Foden, headteacher of Lady Lumley’s, said: “I have taken the difficult decision to partially open Lady Lumley’s School on February 1, 2023. Students and parents have now been notified that Lady Lumley’s will be open to Year 11 and Year 13 students, as well as invited students who need additional support.

“This decision has been made to enable us to keep all children safe and to prioritise those pupils and students sitting public examinations this academic year.

“I understand the concerns of students, parents and all my colleagues in managing this situation.”