A STRIKE against the conversion of a local school into a co-op academy was "successful" according to the NUT.

Around 60 members of staff at Alperton Community School were on strike last Thursday (May 31) against the school changing its status.

There were pickets at the upper and lower school sites, and the local branch of the National Union of Teachers described the strike action as "very quiet".

Some pupils decided to take the day off unless they had exams and leaflets were handed out to pupils for their parents the

day before to explain why the teachers were on strike.

Hank Roberts, joint secretary of the Brent Teachers Association, said: “It was a successful strike with hardly any pupils or teachers turning up. We are seeking a resolution with the head teacher. Our members voted for discontinuous industrial action in a ballot which means we do not need another ballot to take further action.”

Jean Roberts, joint secretary of the Brent Teachers Association, added, "We left staff planning their next moves over breakfast in a local cafe. It was clear that this strike was only part of their campaign to stop the school becoming an academy and further action would follow in the near future".

NUT members will be meeting after half term to plan their next moves.