More than 70 schools across Cambridgeshire have either shut or are partially closed today (Wednesday) as teachers take part in a strike called by the NUT.

In Huntingdonshire, about 15 schools were affected by the industrial action, part of a national dispute over teachers’ pay, working conditions and teachers’ pension scheme.

The secondary schools were the worst affected, with a number of them closed to the majority of pupils.

In Huntingdon, St Peter’s School was open for Years 11, 12 and 13 but there were no lessons for Years 7, 8, 9 or 10. Head Val Ford said: “We all hope that the dispute will be resolved by negotiation at national level as early as possible.”

Hinchingbrooke School had staff who were absent due to the strike but had not had to close to pupils, said a spokesman.

St Ivo was also closed to Year 7 to 11 pupils, apart from those in Year 11 who were taking an art exam. Head Mark Patterson said: “I cannot ask other teachers not on strike to cover teachers who are and I cannot call on supply teaching agencies to supply staff to cover either, due to national agreements.

“I am very sorry for the inconvenience to parents and students as a result of this decision to close to the vast majority of students.”

In St Neots, both Longsands and Ernulf academies were closed to Year 7 to 10 pupils.

Both Abbey College in Ramsey and Sawtry Community College were also partially open, for Years 11 to 13, but not for Years 7 to 10.

A handful of primary schools were forced to close entirely, including Abbots Ripton, Great Paxton, Holywell and Newton. Eynesbury, Earith, Hemingford Grey and Thorndown were also partially affected, according to Cambridgeshire County Council.