The following message went out to parents on Wednesday 22 February:
We are contacting you about the strike action which will be taking place during March 2023.
Our school managed to avoid a closure on the strike day on Wednesday 1 February – despite all other local secondary schools closing or partially closing at that time. However, with more strike days scheduled for Wednesday 1 March, and then on Wednesday 15 March and Thursday 16 March, we are going to be increasingly affected.
You can read about the industrial action here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-63283289.
We have been notified by an increased number of staff members that they will be taking industrial action on Wednesday 1 March and consequently we will have to partially close on that day.
The only Year groups in school on Wednesday 1 March will be Years 7, 11, 12 and 13.
Our Year 8, 9 and 10 students will be out of school and they will be set work on Show My Homework / Satchel One.
Our Year 11 students will undertake their scheduled Mock Exams – see here – on this day, as well as taking their normal lessons.
The rationale for which Year group is in / out of school is based on the age range’s suitability to be home alone, those taking mock exams, those taking exam courses, and the specific impact of the individuals who are striking so that we can make arrangements to run the school day safely and effectively.
All wider provision, including canteen facilities, bus schedules, and Homework Club slots will run as usual.
We are sorry that we are in this position – as whatever the standpoint on the validity and purpose of the industrial action – we fully understand the educational and family life impact of such school closures.
Matt Allman, Headteacher, added: “At the moment, it would be wise for parents to make contingency arrangements for Wednesday 15 March and Thursday 16 March, as if the strikes go ahead, then the likelihood is there will be another partial closure. Nonetheless, if we can open fully, then we will. I will update you nearer the time.”
