Teachers strike outside Newark Academy as part of industrial action by members of the National Education Union (NEU)

Pickets were outside Newark Academy on London Road this morning.

Strikes are taking place as part of industrial action by members of the National Education Union (NEU).

Oliver Smith, an English teacher at the academy and a striker, said: “We were out this morning for a fully-funded raise in teachers pay.

"With it not being fully-funded, it's coming from the school budget, which means they've got to pay more for every teacher.

"This impacts the departments, impacts the equipment used to facilitate learning and so ultimately doesn't just impact the teachers but the students as well, which is the most important part."

Strikers were using NEU flags and flags bearing the words 'pay up' — the slogan being used for the strikes.

"A core element for me is that I'm an early careers teacher (ECT), so I'm only in my second year of teaching.

"The government had put in a new support system for ECTs to help teacher retention because they're finding that 33% of all new teachers drop out within the first five years."

"But last year they have now cut back on the financial support and bursaries that new teacher would be given and they have not increased pay in line with inflation either, so there is less financial support for getting into the career."

Speaking of the support the picketers had received Mr Smith said: "I just want to say that this is absolutely no reflection on Newark Academy, which is a fantastic institute.

"I only just started in January and the staff are supportive, the school is incredible.

"There were a lot of beeps from cars and thumbs up from passers by and parents.

"So it's not just been supported by staff but by the general public too.

"This is a government, financial issue and nothing to do with the school."