TEACHERS are on strike across Dorset today, disrupting classes at a number of local primary and secondary schools.

The strike by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) will cause disruption, with many schools set to be closed or just partially open.

Budmouth College, Wey Valley School, Thomas Hardye School, All Saints School and IPACA will all be partially closed as a result of the strike.

Several other schools across the county have been forced to close, including Dorchester Middle School and Conifers Primary School, in Weymouth.

The strike is due to a row over pay and conditions and also about school funding.

Teachers held a rally at the Trinity Club in Dorchester.

Dorset County Council (DCC) has been working to ensure as many pupils as possible can attend lessons during the strike and has been encouraging local schools to stay open.

Deborah Croney, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for learning and skills, said: “We are encouraging schools to stay open, where it is feasible and poses no risk to pupils as a result.

“However, the final decision as to whether a school remains open, closed or partially closed lies with the headteacher and the chair of governors.

“All schools have been asked to give parents, pupils and school transport providers as much notice as possible.”

Here is our list of the schools that will be disrupted today:

Partially closed:

Thomas Hardye School: Closed to year nine & year ten, sixth form students required to attend with lessons to continue “as far as possible.”

Wey Valley School: Closed to years seven, eight and nine. Year 10 students to attend in the morning for their exams and will be sent home at around 12.45pm

Budmouth College: Closed to years seven, eight, nine and 10, open for sixth form students

IPACA: Royal Manor and Southwell campuses closed, Osprey Quay partially open.

All Saints School: Closed to years eight and nine, open to years seven and 10 only.

Other schools that will be partially closed: Beechcroft St Pauls; Bere Regis School; Broadwindsor Primary School; Dorchester Learning Centre; Mountjoy School.

Closed to all pupils:

Wyke Regis Infant School and Wyke Regis Primary School; Conifers Primary School; Dorchester Middle School; St George’s, Portland; Damers First School.

Open:

Bincombe Valley Primary School; St Mary’s, Bridport; Cheselbourne Village School; Loders Primary School; St John’s Primary School; Beaminster School; Bovington Primary School; Broadmayne First School; Buckland Newton School; Cerne Abbas First School; Holy Trinity Primary School; Lulworth and Winfrith Primary School; Maiden Newton Primary School; Manor Park First School; Parrett and Axe Primary School; Powerstock Primary School; Radipole Primary School; Portesham Primary School; Salway Ash Primary School; Southill Primary School; Thorner's Primary School; Westfield Arts College