Schools across Bolton will be closed or partially shut to pupils as strike action takes place today in the ongoing dispute between teachers and the Government.

Strikes held by the National Education Union (NEU) are set to cause disruption to schools across the borough tomorrow, July 5, and on Friday, July 7.

The dispute, which began when teachers voted to picket in January this year, has seen them demanding better pay and for the education system to be 'properly funded' by the Government.

In a statement, Ladybridge High School said: "As Wednesday, July 5, and Friday, July 7, are days of NEU national strike action, school will be closed on these days.

"Further information has been sent to parents/carers today, regarding the online learning options available.

"School will be open as usual on Thursday, July 6."

Westhoughton High School will be closing for year groups seven to nine both today and on Friday.

A spokesperson said: "A significant number of our employees are members of the NEU and as such we are likely to be affected by the industrial action.

"The governing body has therefore undertaken a risk assessment for the school to safeguard children’s safety and feel that it is necessary to close the school for students in Years 7-9 on both days.

"Year 6 Transition Day on Wednesday 5th July will go ahead as planned."

The school will also be closed to Year 10 students tomorrow, but they will be able to go in on Friday.

An induction day at Turton High School has been moved due to the strike action.

A letter to parents from the school stated: "Due to planned strike action our induction day will now be held on Thursday 6th July."

This comes as education union chiefs urge the Department for Education to publish the School Teachers’ Review Body’s (STRB) pay recommendations.

The hold-up is causing “anxiety” in schools and “frustrating headteachers” who need to plan budgets, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has been told.

The Government offered teachers a £1,000 one-off payment for the current school year (2022/23) and an average 4.5 per cent rise for staff next year after intensive talks with the education unions earlier this year.

But all four education unions rejected the offer and the decision on teachers’ pay in England for next year has been passed to the independent STRB.