Teachers at Elliott School are balloting for strike action over a restructuring they fear will lead to job losses and salary cuts.

The new structure is designed to improve the school for students, but teachers claim they could be demoted or sacked if their positions disappear.

Last month the Putney school went into special measures and this week it was due to receive a draft Ofsted report explaining why it was deemed to be failing.

Darryl Long, regional officer of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), said: “The NUT remains concerned about the restructuring at Elliott School.

"While there is a possibility of compulsory redundancies and potential loss of salary for teachers, the union remains in dispute with the school. The NUT remains committed to a negotiated solution.”

The ballot ends today, and if teachers vote to strike it could result in major disruptions to classes at the Pullman Gardens school.

In March staff took a vote of no confidence in the school leadership.

This week headteacher Sharon Ferrell said she would not comment on the school’s problems until the Ofsted report was published officially.

She said: “At present I can’t say anything. I don’t know what the future holds for the school.”

When asked if she was planning to continue at the school she added: “I haven’t resigned at present.”

The report will be sent to the school on Monday, May 11, and will be published online the following Monday.

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