Teachers at a Bromley school are striking over alleged plans by their employer to withdraw from a pension scheme, downgrading their benefits

Members of NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union at Bishop Challoner School took action on Tuesday and Wednesday, claiming the failure of the school to engage has left them with no choice.

There are four more days of planned action should their concerns about withdrawal from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme go unaddressed.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said: “Imposing an inferior pension scheme on teachers will affect their future financial security and is a kick in the teeth at a time when they have been working hard throughout the pandemic to continue to provide high quality teaching and learning for pupils.

“While the NASUWT regrets any disruption caused to pupils or parents, teachers cannot be expected to simply stand by and accept being placed into an inferior pension scheme.

“The NASUWT is fighting attempts to withdraw from the TPS at independent schools across the country, many of whom, in the NASUWT’s view, are cynically attempting to use the impact of the pandemic as an excuse to downgrade teachers’ contracts.

“The Union will continue to fight for teachers to be recognised as highly skilled professionals who deserve terms and conditions which are commensurate with the key work they do in educating and supporting our children and young people.”

Bishop Challenor is an independent Catholic school which educates girls and boys aged 3 to 18, from nursery, through to sixth form.

NASUWT claims approaches made to the school to resolve the dispute have been ignored, as have the concerns raised by teachers during a consultation process.

Alison Morgan, NASUWT National Executive Member for South London, said: “Members have had no other option than to resort to strike action as the employer has failed to respond to our requests to seek to resolve this matter.

“In the interests of both teachers and pupils, we urge the employer to enter into negotiations with us so that further industrial action can be avoided.”

Bishop Challenor was approached for comment.