SEVERAL schools in West Somerset were among a number around the county which closed or partially closed on Tuesday because of strike action by the National Union of Teachers (NUJ).

They included West Somerset College, St Peter’s Church of England First School in Williton and Crowcombe and Stogumber Primary Schools.

“The action has been a successful platform in taking the message to government that teachers are very unhappy with funding for schools, and they are overloaded with work,” said Robin Head, NUT joint local secretary and national executive member for the area.

“There have been huge numbers of redundancies across the county this year, curriculums have narrowed, and the numbers of students in classes have become bigger and bigger.”

He said head teachers were under pressure too, and even though they were not members of the NUT, its members speak up for all.

He said the union was now encouraging members to speak to their MPs about the issues.