Strikes are set to completely close 23 Merton schools later this week, with partial closures at another five.

Wednesday's action will see members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and teaching union NASUWT join other public sector workers in a day of strikes over changes to their pensions.

The National Association of Head Teachers is also set to go on strike for the first time in its 114 year history - while three unions that represent caretakers, secretaries and other school staff will also take action.

Education secretary Michael Gove said 90 per cent of Britain's schools are likely to shut because of the dispute. He said the Government's new pension offer was "a good deal - one that millions in the private sector envy".

But Christine Blower, general secretary of the NUT, said under the scheme teachers would "pay considerably more for a pension that will be worth considerably less".

The following Merton schools have announced they will close completely - All Saints, Beecholme, Bishop Gilpin, Cranmer, Cricket Green, Garden, Garfield, Haslemere, Hillcross, Hollymount, Holy Trinity, Joseph Hood, Liberty, Malmesbury, Morden, Poplar, Rutlish, St Matthew's, St Teresa's, Stanford, West Wimbledon, Wimbledon College, Wimbledon Park.

The following Merton schools will be partially closed - Dundonald (nursery, reception and year one classes), Harris Academy (years seven, eight and nine), Merton Park (nursery and reception classes), St Mark's Academy (years eight and nine), William Morris (Hamilton class).