School gates remained locked across west London today as teachers stayed home or marched on London in protest at workloads and changes to pensions.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) protested over changes to working conditions for teachers, and many members congregated at a rally in Westminster, central London.

NUT executive member Alex Kenny said: “Teacher workload is unsustainable and the thought of doing the job until 68 is driving many away from the job. Teacher morale is at dangerously low levels. Children need teachers who are fresh and well motivated, not tired and demoralised.

"All the polls show that Michael Gove is out of touch with teachers and parents – he must listen and change direction. This strike is his fault – teachers do not like taking strike action but they are prepared to lose pay to stand up for education. We do apologise for the inconvenience to parents but we hope they will support us.”

Harrow Council leader Councillor Susan Hall (Conservative) said: “I obviously regret that this strike is going ahead.

“I know teachers feel strongly about the issues involved, but we all ultimately want what is best for our children and I hope we can get to an agreement without the need for any further disruption.”

In Harrow and Brent some schools were completely open, some fully closed and some were partially closed with many managing to offer a full day of lessons for year 11 and sixth-formers.

In the Hillingdon 11 schools stayed open in the borough, 11 schools were partially closed due to the strike action, and only two closed which were Meadow High School in Royal Lane, Hillingdon and Oak Farm Junior School in Windsor Avenue, Hillingdon.

Many west London teachers joined in on the national march. Lee Duffy, 28, an NUT rep and Fulham primary school teacher, marched with around 20 colleagues from Hammersmith and Fulham.

He said: “There was a feeling of anger out there today but also determination to get our point across.

“People just want our voices heard and to say enough is enough. We are willing to go through with changes and make things better, but the way they are doing it is wrong with one man, Michael Gove, leading that change.

“And people are feeling there are more and more changes coming on top of this.”

Michael Parker, secretary of Westminster NUT, said: “All I can say is that police have confirmed that 11,000 people attended the national march which included many local members.”

Hammersmith and Fulham Council warned parents that nine schools would close today, while 19 would be partially open and 10 were expected to remain open as usual.

In Kensington and Chelsea, eight were due to shut completely, 14 partially and 12 were unaffected.

It was unclear how many schools would be forced to close in Westminster, but Mr Parker said ‘all schools’ in the borough would be affected in some way.

A spokesman for Westminster Council said: “Westminster City Council is disappointed that NUT members have decided to go on strike again.

“It is a pity that the unions’ response to their dispute with the government is to take action which denies pupils their entitlement to attend school.”