A NINE-WEEK STRIKE at Grays Convent High School has finally come to an end after governors agreed to abandon a controversial restructuring programme that sparked fears of job losses among staff.

Teachers at the Grays school began industrial action early in May after proposals to restructure staffing prompted concerns over potential redundancies and changes to working conditions.

The dispute, backed by members of both the National Education Union (NEU) and NASUWT, led to three days of strike action every week and months of disruption for pupils and families. Students took time to join their teachers on the picket line at one point.

The walkout ended following talks between governors and union representatives last week, with school leaders confirming that industrial action has now ceased.

In a statement issued on behalf of the school, Nicola Thompson, the school's acting chair of governors said: "I am pleased to inform you that after meeting with union reps last week all industrial action has now ceased."

A spokesperson for the NEU confirmed the employer had offered to withdraw immediately from the restructure programme.

They said: "The previous position was untenable. Gray Convent High School has a unique character based on the dedication of its staff, their faith, and their pastoral support for the students, that sustains it as a school of choice for parents who are drawn to those values.

"It is highly ranked in Essex. We are proud of the way our NEU members at the school, ably supported by their union reps, united in opposition to such an obviously flawed plan and grateful for the parental support that was offered.

"Under these pressures the Trust saw the negative impact the previous board decision was having along with the future detrimental impact on sustainability had they continued that course.

"We do however give credit for the late decision to abandon the restructure. The new executive head and new Chair of governors have agreed to work with the union reps at the school to achieve mutually agreed means of saving money where possible and sustainably.

"This will be over an extended period, without cause to enforce restructure or make compulsory redundancies.

"We hope now that the school can return to normal and continue to do what it does best."

The dispute attracted significant backing from parents, many of whom raised concerns about the impact on pupils and the school's long-term future.

Parent and Berlesduna Academy Trust deputy executive officer Courtney Freese welcomed the end of the strikes but said questions still remained.

"I am very happy that the strikes have ended," he said. "The teachers are back in class and there seems to be some type of solution moving forward.

"But the problem that caused the nine-week strike is still there, so we need clarity from the school. They are going to have to tell us what the problem is and how we fix it."

Mr Freese said governors had agreed to meet parents in a bid to rebuild confidence after the dispute.

"They have massively broken our trust as parents so they need to do better," he said. "We are not only thinking about our children but the legacy of future education."

NASUWT regional organiser Kim Vollerthun also welcomed the breakthrough, saying he was optimistic the trust would now engage constructively with staff and unions to help shape the school's future.