Schools across the West Midlands are bracing for significant disruption after a major academy trust confirmed a series of teacher strikes set for January. Staff are walking out in a bitter dispute over planned redundancies.
Strike Action Details and Dates
Teachers at 20 of the 24 schools run by the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) will down tools on nine separate days this month. The industrial action, organised by the National Education Union (NEU), is a direct response to the trust's plans to cut more than 100 jobs.
The confirmed strike dates are as follows:
- Week One: Wednesday, 14 January and Thursday, 15 January.
- Week Two: Tuesday, 20 January, Wednesday, 21 January, and Thursday, 22 January.
- Week Three: Monday, 26 January, Tuesday, 27 January, Wednesday, 28 January, and Thursday, 29 January.
ATLP Chair Richard Gill has warned parents that the action will lead to a 'level of disruption' and may mean children cannot attend school on the affected dates.
The Root of the Dispute: Redundancies and Workload Fears
The conflict stems from the trust's announcement in October that it was 'facing financial challenges' and would be making a number of staff redundant. While the trust stated its proposals focused on minimising impact on pupils, the NEU claims the cuts are a result of 'financial mistakes' by leaders.
Union members have voted to strike because the ATLP cannot guarantee there will be no compulsory redundancies within the next three years. They fear the loss of colleagues will drastically increase workload for remaining staff and damage the quality of education.
Chris Denson, an NEU national executive member, argued the cuts are misplaced. "Any cuts should come from the massive central office spend, not from teachers and support staff," he said. "Cutting pupil-facing roles will always damage education."
Schools Affected and Trust's Response
The ATLP runs 24 schools across the region. Secondary schools set to be impacted include The Arthur Terry School and The Royal Sutton School in Sutton Coldfield, Stockland Green School in Erdington, and The Coleshill School, among others. Numerous primary schools across Sutton Coldfield, Erdington, Tamworth, Lichfield, and Warwickshire are also involved.
Four schools will not be affected by the strikes: The Bridge Academy in Lichfield, Greysbrooke Primary in Shenstone, Brookvale Primary in Erdington, and Dunstall Park Primary in Tamworth.
In a letter to parents, Richard Gill stated the trust regretted the union's decision. "We have approached ACAS to seek a mediated resolution, and we are hopeful that this will be successful," he wrote, while acknowledging headteachers are planning to minimise disruption, though face-to-face education for all may not be possible.
The trust maintains it has tried to avoid strike action and continues to engage with the NEU, respecting the right of staff to take industrial action as a personal choice.
