ONLY two schools will completely close in the Stourbridge area tomorrow (Wednesday) as teachers strike over changes to working practices, pensions and pay.

Kingswinford School, Kingswinford and Thorns Community College, Quarry Bank, will be closed as the one-day strike action, organised by the National Union of Teachers (NUT), takes place.

Ridgewood High School, Wollaston, will be open to year 11 pupils only.

Summerhill School, Kingswinford, will also be partially closed, with only students in years 10 and 11 being asked to attend.

Redhill School, Edgecliff High School, Hagely RC High School, Haybridge High School, The Wordsley School, Pedmore Technology College, Crestwood School and Old Swinford Hospital will all be open as usual.

Christine Blower, general secretary of the NUT, the largest teachers’ union said: “Teachers deeply regret the disruption caused by this strike action to parents and teachers.

“The Government’s refusal, however, to engage to resolve the dispute means that we have no alternative other than to demonstrate the seriousness of our concerns.”

Dudley’s children’s services boss, Councillor Tim Crumpton, said: “It’s a great shame that it’s come to this and I hope parents are able to cope with it.

“What I want is for the Government to sit around the table with the union and talk seriously with them.

“It almost seems to me that this Government is intent on all out war with teachers.”