Teachers from four Lewisham schools walked out on strike over academisation yesterday (Feb 12) - as three of the sites confirmed the same day that they wish to become academies.

Governors of the Leathersellers' Federation of Schools, which runs Prendergast Hilly Fields, Ladywell Fields and Prendergast Vale, announced they had applied to the government to become seek academy status.

But even as governors met to discuss their plans, staff picketed outside the buildings shouting "Academies in Lewisham, no way" in a strike organised by Lewisham's National Union of Teachers branch.

Branch secretary Martin Powell-Davies said: "The fact that this overwhelming show of opposition was them to be so blatantly ignored will be a bitter disappointment to all those who protested."

He went on: "A committee of staff, students and parents has been set up. Unions will be setting dates for further strike action after half-term. 

"Leaflets and pamphlets are being written to answer the governors' claims and to explain how these academy plans threaten to damage and tear apart education right across Lewisham. We will be out on the school gates, train stations and shopping areas building for a public meeting in a fortnight's time. 

"We will be demanding that, if Governors are so sure of their arguments, why won't they agree to a full ballot of parents to see if they agree with their proposals or not?"

Sedgehill School, where there are fears over enforced academisation after Lewisham Council controversially removed its board, also saw strike action.

Lewisham NUT said they had considered action at a fifth school - Bonus Pastor - but were now satisfied it will not be converting into an academy any time soon.

Academies are funded by central government and are outside of local government control, allowing them more freedom over things like curriculums. But critics say they do not necessarily improve standards and can see teachers facing worse pay and conditions.

In a statement Leathersellers' chair of governors Christopher Barrow said, if an academy order was granted by the government, there would follow a full period of consultation.

He said: "It is anticipated this process will take six months. After these consultations the Governing Board will take a decision as to whether or not to proceed to academy conversion."