Teachers in Exmouth will be going on strike on Wednesday, March 26, with one school so far confirming it will be closed on the day.

A national strike has been called by the National Union of Teachers (NUT), which says it has concerns over teachers’ pay, pension reforms, and excessive bureaucracy, due to government reforms.

Withycombe Raleigh Primary School has confirmed it will be shut due to the strike, and Exeter Road Primary School will be closing its reception, year two and year three classes.

Exmouth Community College is planning to remain open, despite members of staff being expected to strike.

College principal Tony Alexander said: “Members of the NUT are taking strike action as part of a national campaign against changes to their conditions of service and pension arrangements. The college will remain open for all year groups on this day.”

NUT spokesman Timothy Hodge, speaking on behalf of NUT members at the college, said: “Members at Exmouth wish to make it clear that the decision to strike is not taken lightly. It is a difficult decision for every individual to make.

“Some disruption to students and to their parents is inevitable and the staff very much regret this.

“The teachers on strike from Exmouth Community College wish it to be known that they understand that some people will disagree with the decision to take strike action, but they hope that the community they serve will appreciate the integrity of the motivations that underpin their action.

“They believe that their action on March 26 is part of a campaign that can lead to a better future for the education service and the children of this country.”

Mr Hodge added that NUT members were being encouraged, not instructed, to strike.

The Department for Education has said it feels parents will ‘struggle to understand’ the strike, as it has agreed to teachers’ request for further talks about the reforms.

The Journal will post updates if and when further closures are announced.