Hundreds of teachers marched down Winchester High Street today (February 1) over a dispute over pay and conditions.

The demonstration started at 11am at the Westgate Museum and finished with speeches in Abbey Gardens.

Scores of schools were closed across the county. Some were able to partially open to certain year groups. 

Schools fully closed were: South Wonston Primary School, The Toynbee School, Swanmore College and Bishop's Waltham Infant School.

In its ongoing campaign for a fully funded, above inflation pay rise, teacher members of the National Education Union (NEU) in England and Wales have voted overwhelmingly for strike action.

Victoria Furness, science teacher at Perins School in Alresford, said: “We're spellbound by the turnout today and it just demonstrates the depth of feeling across Hampshire. 
“We want an at least inflation meeting pay rise, so we can at least pay our gas and electric bills. All of the money which goes to staff pay increases comes out of the school's pot. I know it's inconvenient, but headteacher haven't planned accordingly which has made it more disruptive.”

Daniel Eastham, also from Perins School, said: “I'm on strike because there is a severe teacher shortage and we need to make the profession more attractive again.”

A picket line was held outside Perins earlier today (February 1). 

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Liz Down, from Toynbee School in Chandler's Ford, said: “We are fighting for fully funded pay rises for teachers, not stealing from existing school budgets.”

Laura Wells said: “The way the teaching profession is at the moment, things need to change to provide young people with what they need.”

Laura's son, Ethan Wells, 17, also took part in the demonstration. The Peter Symonds College student said: “I've seen the workload she has to go through and I think it's diabolical the amount of work she has to do compared to the amount she is paid. Things need to change. They are paid disastrously little for what they have to do.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

After today, further strike days are set to be held on March 2, 15 and 16.

Councillor Steve Forster, executive member for education at Hampshire County Council, said: “The Department for Education has provided guidance to the county’s schools on the implications of the potential industrial action.

"The county council has communicated with Hampshire schools to reiterate the national guidance and to support them in preparing as far as possible for any strike action by staff. I would highlight that the National Education Union’s dispute is not with the local authority but with the government regarding pay.

"Our primary concern is for the welfare and education of children and young people, and we hope that a suitable resolution can be agreed to prevent any further disruption to their learning, as well as to wider services which will undoubtedly be affected with parents and carers needing to stay at home to look after children.”