Video: Otley parents speak out over second strike at Academy-row school

Prince Henry’s Grammar in Otley was closed to all pupils as teachers staged the second of six planned “days of action” over the proposals, which were passed by a narrow majority of governors last month.

The school was closed to several year groups during the first walkout last week and will remain closed to lower year groups this Thursday.

Councillors have written to education secretary Michael Gove asking him to step in and force a vote by parents at the school, which was originally set up by King James I in 1607.

Staff fear the change could affect their pay and conditions. But head teacher Janet Sheriff said there was “no intention whatsoever” of changing terms of employment for staff.

The change to an academy would see funding go direct to the school rather than via Leeds City Council.

The unions said two thirds of the teachers were opposed to the move and that around 80 people took part in today’s strike, but no picket line was evident outside the school at mid-morning. We asked locals what they thought of the strike.