TEACHERS at The Grange private school in Hartford are set for strike action later this month.

This is in response to governors’ plans to take them out of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and move them to a Direct Benefits scheme, which will cost the school less.

Teachers at The Grange Junior School and The Grange Senior School were told just before Christmas that there was a consultation on the change.

They were also told not to discuss the plan with parents or children at the school, which charges fees of £9,600 per year.

Though The Grange refuses to recognise trade unions, officers from the National Education Union and the NASUWT met with governors to try to avoid strike action.

Greg Foster, district secretary of Cheshire West and Chester NEU, said: “It is appalling that a school that strives to offer a first-class education to its students is trying to force a second-best pension on its teachers.

“While there are two unions involved here, our members are speaking out with one voice: hands off our pensions.”

Pauline Rodmell, north west regional officer for the NEU, said: “Support for strike action from our members and members of the NASUWT at The Grange is overwhelming.

“No-one wants to see children’s education being disrupted by strike action.

“We will meet with governors as often as they want to avoid it.

“Nevertheless, unless governors back down and withdraw their proposals we will have no choice.”

Avis Gilmore, deputy general secretary of the National Education Union, and Chris Keats, general secretary of the NASUWT, have both written to The Grange head of school Mrs Leonard and head of junior school Mr Rands.

This is to give formal notice of six days of strike action between Tuesday, February 25 and Thursday, March 12.

Ms Gilmore wrote: “The Union remains willing to reach a negotiated settlement to the current dispute.”