FURTHER strike action at Winterbourne International Academy has been suspended after unions and senior management agreed on a raft of new policies.

More than 100 teachers were due to take part in another three days of industrial action next week but have called off the walkout this morning after ‘productive’ discussions last night.

The school was closed for two days this week when members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) took part in two days of action in a dispute with the academy’s senior management over increased workloads, excessive administration tasks, persistent testing of pupils and a one-size fits all policy across Winterbourne and its federated academy in Yate.

Teachers said they were working under a ‘climate of fear’ created by new chief executive principal Beverley Martin.

The academy said it was ‘delighted’ that a resolution had been made.

In a statement on its website, the academy said: “Following productive discussions held on the evening of Thursday, September 17 between the trustees, federation leadership and representatives of the NUT and NASUWT, we are delighted to announce that unanimous agreement has been reached regarding an action plan.

“We are confident that this will result in cessation of any further strike action.”

It added: “Whilst further talks on the detail of the final settlement will continue, we look forward to our school community reuniting and focusing on providing the very best education possible for your children.

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the disruption this has caused to your child’s education. Please be reassured that we will take every opportunity to rectify the lost learning opportunities in the classroom.”

Teachers agreed to the terms of the resolution early this morning.

One teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Gazette: “It’s a great result for the school; policies to improve the school involve those of us who need to implement them at the planning stages to ensure they are effective.

“We are very sad that this has had to impact so heavily on students and parents – the level of support was phenomenal and we are very grateful. Hopefully now we can focus on rebuilding trust and the reputation of what should be an excellent school.”

A meeting organised by the unions on Monday evening has been cancelled. Instead, a joint meeting at the academy will take place at 6pm on Monday, September 21.

It is thought Monday’s Royal visit by Princess Anne, who will officially open the academy’s new £19million buildings, will go ahead as planned.