TEACHERS have gone on strike at a Lake District school over proposed changes to their pensions.

Wednesday marked the first day of strike action for National Education Union (NEU) and NASUWT affiliated teachers at Windermere School, a day and boarding school which charges up to £40,815 a year. 

The teachers are striking over the school's movement away from full support of the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS).

Several independent schools across the country have chosen to leave the scheme as employer contribution rates rose five per cent to 28.6 from April 1 this year, which a spokesperson from Windermere School said prompted them to review other schemes. 

The NEU claims that teachers have been given the offer to stay in the TPS with a 19 per cent employer contribution and the staff pay the remaining 9.68 per cent from September, making a 'huge pay cut,' or join a 'less favourable' scheme with an employer contribution of 18 per cent.

Four days of strike action were announced on Tuesday after a single formal ballot - today (Wednesday 24 April), tomorrow (Thursday 25 April) and Wednesday and Thursday of next week (1-2 May). 

The first day of strike action would have been last week but a last minute offer was put on the table. The teachers rejected what the NEU claims was a 1.5 per cent pay rise that offered no protection to their pensions. 

The Mail: Windermere School offers boarding and day educationWindermere School offers boarding and day education (Image: Windermere School)

The union says that provision of the TPS 'is an industry standard.' 

READ MORE: Lake District: Plans for 36 metre mast set to be turned down

Beth Farhat, from the NEU, said: "Teachers always take strike action with a heavy heart, which is why this mandate should give the employer reason to pause. Members are angry and determined to defend what is rightfully theirs. Their pensions and their futures. These are committed and hard-working staff who have been pushed to the point of taking action. Teachers’ strength of feeling is unwavering.”

Windermere School said it was working with an independent pensions advisory firm to ensure 'an appropriate and affordable alternative pension provision' and a consultation is still in progress. 

Bethany O'Flaherty, from the school, said: "We appreciate that the decision to come out of the TPS is significant for staff, however all contracts will be continuous to ensure job security and a generous alternative pension has been provided. Whilst we hope to avoid any further strike action, we have prepared for it and will ensure that our children receive the best possible experience at Windermere School." 

The school said that staff are covering lessons for absent colleagues which is keeping disruption 'to a minimum' and examinations are taking place as normal.