TEACHERS at Newquay Tretherras school are set to strike for two days later this month.

This follows on from an overwhelming 92 per cent vote in favour of strike action. The teachers are all members of the National Education Union (NEU).

On February 26 and 27, teachers will take a stand against excessive workloads and current health and safety policies.

Although since the appointment of a new CEO in January there has been an improved atmosphere in the school and also constructive talks with the union, there has not yet been enough progress to avert these strikes.

Ian Williams, the NEU branch secretary, said: “The affiliative and cooperative approach from the Trust has allowed us to pause the first strike day that was due on February 12. However, there now needs to be serious detail and clear, unambiguous promises around the demands that the teachers have voted for.

The teachers are demanding: A decrease in the excess workload they are required to do; Recompense for the excess workload already done; Agreed health and safety policies.

A spokesperson added: “The NEU feel that Cornwall is currently experiencing a teacher recruitment and retention crisis and if people are overworked and their rights at work not fully respected, there is little chance of this being reversed. By directing teachers to have this excess workload, the Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT) is breaking their contractual obligations set out in the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document 2024.

“Given the recent change in leadership of the trust and the inclusive approach that has been seen recently, the NEU is hopeful that a resolution can be found before the strike days. If this proves not to be possible though, the NEU members at Tretherras School are determined to take whatever action is required to improve their working lives.”