Six out of ten Fen schools could close their doors when teachers go on strike on Tuesday (October 1).

The strikes are part of a dispute over pay, pensions, working conditions and jobs.

Cambridgeshire schools join the strike on October 1 along with schools in London, Yorkshire and Humberside,

Other areas of the country go on strike on October 17.

The NUT and NASUWT are striking over plans to dismantle the national pay system, plans to introduce a longer school day and reducing pensions.

Around 60% of school leaders nationally say they may have to close their school because of strike action taking place, according to research from The Key, the support service for school leaders.

Close to one quarter are considering allowing staff to bring their own children into school, while 13% are thinking of using teaching assistants to cover for striking staff.

Some 22% were considering allowing non-striking staff to bring their own children into school, whilst 13% were considering using teaching assistants to cover for striking staff

Fergal Roche, The Key’s CEO, said: “Once again we see headteachers placed in an excruciatingly awkward position: they want their staff to be motivated and well rewarded, but their number one priority is higher standards for the children and young people they serve – and that is bound to mean some tough decisions about pay.”

Lisa Sharratt, Headteacher at Glebelands Primary School, Chatteris, said: “The disruption will not help the cause in our area and is likely to place another barrier between us and the people with whom we need to work closely.”