Principal: Richard Corry

Glanville Road
Oxford
OX4 2AU

t: 01865 428200
e info@spires.anthemtrust.uk
www.oxfordspiresacademy.org

19th April 2023

NEU strike action

I am writing to confirm Oxford Spires Academy’s plans regarding the upcoming NEU strike
action.

We have many staff who are members of the NEU and whilst staff try to be supportive in
letting us know whether they will or will not be on strike, we will not be made fully aware of
their intentions until the morning of the strike. From indicative discussions, it is highly likely
that a very high number of staff will be on strike on Thursday 27th April and Tuesday 2nd May.

Oxford Spires Academy has considered the issues of the safe supervision of students; given
the number of teachers known to be or likely to be striking, the significantly reduced
staffing levels across our school means that the school will be partially closed to on both
dates, with details of affected year groups listed below.

Thursday 27th April - Years 11, 12 & 13 should come to school as normal.

Tuesday 2nd May - Years 10, 11, 12 & 13 should come to school as normal.

Because of the expected level of staff response to the strike, OSA will be closed to students
in Years 7, 8, 9, and Year 10 on Thursday 27th April. Colleagues who are not on strike are not
obliged to cover lessons for striking staff, so there is a possibility that we will have to make
immediate changes on the day, depending on the numbers of staff who are absent.

Here are further details:

• School will be closed for Years 7-9.

• On Tuesday 2nd May, Year 10 will continue with their mock examination timetable.
• School will be open for any children who are particularly vulnerable. Please
complete the following form confirming if your child needs to attend school Strike
Action-Vulnerable/FSM
• Year 11 will be in normal lessons where possible, and completing specific subject
work where teaching staff are absent
• Students should arrive in school uniform at their normal arrival time of 8:20 for an 8:30
start
• The canteen will be open as normal for students who are in school
• Students who are entitled to free school meals may come into school to pick up
a Grab’n’Go meal between 1.00-1.20pm. We do not have the capacity to
deliver these, and parents should bear in mind the fact that this is designed to be

Anthem Schools Trust is an exempt charity and a company limited by guarantee .

Registered in England & Wales. Company No.7468210.
Registered Office Highbridge House, 16–18 Duke Street, Reading RG1 4RU.
 just one meal per child on free school meals. If you require this, please also
complete the form Strike Action-Vulnerable/FSM
• Students at home will have work set on Microsoft Teams. As striking colleagues are
not expected to provide cover work, and non-striking colleagues not expected to
cover for striking colleagues, the work will largely be set using our digital platforms, or
Oak National Academy.

Yours sincerely,

Rich Corry – Principal