List of Suffolk schools in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket areas partially closed today due to NEU teachers' strike in the Eastern region

Further disruption to schooling is expected today as teacher members of the National Education Union (NEU) walk out in a regional day of action over pay and funding.

The strike by the NEU in the Eastern region follows one across the country on February 1 that led to several full school closures in the Bury St Edmunds area as well as some partial closures.

Today, there will be picket lines in place at a number of schools, followed by a regional rally and march in Cambridge city centre, assembling from 11.30am.

Here is a list of schools in the Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket areas that are affected by the walkout.

Schools partially closed today:

• Sybil Andrews Academy, Bury St Edmunds;

• St Benedict's Catholic School, Bury St Edmunds;
• St Edmund's Catholic Primary School, Bury St Edmunds;
• Abbots Green Academy, Bury St Edmunds;
• Thurston Community College, Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds;
• Thurston CE Primary Academy, Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds;
• Stowmarket High School, Stowmarket;
• Gislingham C of E Primary School, Gislingham, near Stowmarket.
• Stowupland High School, Stowupland;
• Bacton Primary School, Bacton, near Stowmarket;
• Mendlesham Primary School, Mendlesham, near Stowmarket.

SuffolkNews is not aware of any schools in these areas that are fully closed today.

Speaking last week, Paul McLaughlin, regional secretary of the NEU in the Eastern Region, said: "We regret having to take strike action and the disruption it causes, but it is self-evident that Government-inflicted disruption to education is now part of a pupil's daily life.

"This situation cannot go on and members will take action to ensure that a brighter future for education is achieved."

He said Education Secretary Gillian Keegan had 'done nothing' to resolve the dispute, with nothing meaningful put forward which would end the deadlock.

"The Government’s education policy is driving the current recruitment and retention crisis which is damaging the education and prospects for our young people," said Mr McLaughlin.

"A fully-funded, above inflation pay rise would make a significant difference."

Further strike days are planned for England and Wales schools on March 15 and 16.