PARENTS of a Basingstoke secondary school have been warned that some pupils may have to stay at home next Thursday because of strike action.

Schools face disruption on July 10 as the National Union of Teachers (NUT) has announced its intention to strike alongside members of other unions, including PCS (Public and Commercial Services), Unison, Unite and the Fire Brigade Union (FBU).

Christine Blower, general secretary of the NUT said the strike was a “last resort for teachers”.

She added: “The Government is still failing to make progress on our trade dispute over teachers’ pay, pensions and workload.”

Betty Elkins, headteacher at Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College, in Wessex Close, wrote to parents yesterday to warn them of the possible disruption.

She said; “It is very possible that some teachers and support staff will be on strike which is, of course, something they are legally entitled to do. On this occasion only one of the teachers’ unions is taking action and therefore it is highly unlikely that we will need to entirely close the school.

“However, until we get closer to the day and we have some indication from staff of their intentions we will be unable to make a final decision. It is possible that we may have to ask for one or two year groups to stay at home.”

Parents at Cranbourne will be updated on Tuesday.