Head teachers at 10 schools in Worthing, one in Lancing and one in Sompting have confirmed they will either be closed, or partially closed, to allow members of the National Union of Teachers to strike over pay.

Della West, head teacher at Davison High in East Worthing, said: "I respect my colleagues' rights to strike.

"I have to consider the health and safety of the pupils and have, therefore, taken the decision to have only year 11s in school."

Teachers across England and Wales are calling for the 2.45 per cent pay rise for 2008 to be increased to a rate above inflation.

Worthing's teachers plan to make their views known at a rally this morning (Thursday) outside the Pavilion Theatre.

Video from the rally will be on the Herald's website later today.

Lecturers at Northbrook College, who are members of the Universities and Colleges Union, will also be striking.

This is in support of a campaign for pay parity with school teachers.

John Grover, who started his new role as head teacher at Downsbrook Middle, Broadwater, only this week, said: "Some classes will not be attending school as their teachers will be involved in the strike.

"We have tried to sort it so that as few pupils and parents as possible are inconvenienced."

Click here to see a list of schools closed today.

Have your say

Do you agree with the teachers' strike?

The vote from Thursday, April 24 until Wednesday, April 23 was an even split, with 50 per cent of participants voting yes and 50 per cent voting no.

What do you think?

How valued are teachers?

What should teachers be earning?

Share your views, comment in the space below, email the herald at letters@worthingherald.co.uk or write to Herald letters, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA

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