Pupils at the partially-closed Weydon School in Wrecclesham – plus their parents and carers – have been warned to leave the striking to National Education Union teachers today.

In a letter, principal Jackie Sharman said the school supported staff’s right to strike, but added: "We would also like to remind you that it is unlawful for people who are not members of staff at the school, or their union representatives, to join a picket line. We therefore ask parents or carers or students to refrain from joining any picket line.

"We have tried to give parents and carers as much notice as possible of these circumstances. We appreciate that any partial closure may be disruptive to you, for which we apologise.

"We hope that you understand we have not taken these decisions lightly and had to take decisions to secure the health and safety of your child and any non-striking staff in consideration of anticipated heavily reduced numbers of staff."

Most Year 7 pupils are not attending Weydon School today. For the rest of the school the day started later than usual, at 9am. The rest of the year groups are having normal lessons, but some may be covered by other staff.

There are also partial closures at Farnham Heath End School and Woolmer Hill School in Haslemere.

The National Education Union wants the government to give its members a pay rise in line with inflation but talks broke down on Monday, leading to today's strike.