TEACHERS have taken action to try and protect jobs and pay which they say are threatened by restructuring plans at one of Thurrock's most successful schools.

Members of the NASUWT union have withdrawn their labour for three days at Grays Convent High School on College Avenue.

The is a voluntary aided all girls' Roman Catholic secondary school under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Brentwood's South Essex deanery.

Though academic standards at the school remain among the best in the region and it is fully subscribed, the school had found itself in the midst of a financial crisis and its governing body is considering a restructuring plan which could see jobs go and pay cut as part of a savings proposal.

That has prompted action by NASUWT teachers today (Tuesday, 12 May) and other teaching unions at the school are also balloting their members about proposed action.

A statement from NASUWT says its members are proud to serve the school and local community and they have not taken disruptive action lightly.

It adds: "The governing body announced plans that were presented as a 'consultation' but the professional knowledge of the staff who know this school best has not been meaningfully considered, We were not listened to.

"We are not asking for a pay rise, we are simply asking to maintain our current level of pay. The restructure as planned would reduce our earnings.

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"We understand that financial savings must be found. We are not opposed to change, but we ask that the restructure be paused until a new headteacher is appointed – someone able to work collaboratively with staff and governors to find a fair way forward that protects the school, its community and its Catholic identity."

The union statement has criticised leadership of the school ahead of the pending retirement of Penny Johnson, the popular and long serving headteacher.

Its statement adds: "We do not know who will lead out school next year. Staff have not been kept informed and there is no clear plan for future leadership.

Ms Johnson told Thurrock Nub News that she could not comment this morning, but the governing body has been asked for a statement which we hope will be forthcoming.

Former Convent student and borough MP Jen Craft joined teachers on the protest line outside the school this morning.

She told Thurrock Nub News: "I think this has been handled really, really poorly by the governors.

"If you are looking at a restructure you have to work with staff, not make people think that something is being done to them and actually have a discussion about how this looks going forward and what works and what doesn't.

"It's been so badly communicated and handled. The staff here are diligent, hard-working and the education is first class.

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"To have pushed them to take this kind of action is really shocking."