Schools will close in Tower Hamlets today as thousands of teachers join a national teachers’ strike over changes to their pay and pensions.

More than 60 schools across the borough will close, with another 18 partially closed, while only 12 will remain fully open.

The strike will see teachers march from the BBC’s headquarters in Great Portland Street to a rally in Trafalgar Square.

Bob Stapley, London Regional Secretary for the National Union of Teachers, said: “Teachers are thoroughly fed up with Michael Gove’s relentless attacks on the profession.

“The government’s own workforce survey shows that many teachers are working 60 hours or more each week.

“Much of that time is spent on tasks that have little or no beneficial impact upon the achievements of their students.”

He added: “It is time for the Government to listen to the profession and seriously address issues of teacher workload.”

He also said that pension contributions had been raised, and warned it will be harder to attract people to the teaching profession due to the changes.

A Tower Hamlets Council spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that 30 of our schools will be open or partially open during the strike action tomorrow.

“We are working with schools to minimise the disruption and have advised parents to contact their schools directly for the latest information.”