Rochdale school shuts to most pupils for three days as strike action continues

St Cuthberts High School

The school confirmed the closure following a risk assessment which considered staffing levels, pupil safety and supervision needs during the industrial action. Leaders said disruption is expected to be significant across the three days.

Pupils in Years 7 to 10 will be required to remain at home and complete work set through school email systems. The school stated that these pupils are expected to complete all assigned tasks during the closure period.

Year 11 pupils will attend school as usual, with most lessons expected to go ahead. The school confirmed that exam procedures will remain unchanged as the GCSE examination period begins, with established routines continuing to support pupils.

Provision will remain in place for vulnerable pupils. Those eligible for free school meals will be able to collect a grab bag from the school each morning.

School leaders said they have been in ongoing discussions with the NASUWT and NEU unions and have introduced a number of changes in response to concerns raised. These include adjustments linked to a wider staffing restructure and school improvement plans.

The trust said the restructure has now completed consultation, with amendments made following feedback from staff and professional associations. It added that there will be no compulsory redundancies and that the changes are intended to strengthen leadership, teaching quality, pupil support and safeguarding.

A revised leadership structure will come into effect from September, including an executive headteacher, two deputy headteachers and five assistant headteachers overseeing key areas such as teaching, behaviour, safeguarding and inclusion.

The trust said the changes are designed to improve standards, support pupils with additional needs and strengthen attendance and pastoral care across the school.

The school leadership team acknowledged the disruption to families and said discussions with unions are continuing.