Schools are set to close as teachers take industrial action over pay, pensions and workload of staff.

Members of the National Union of Teachers in Harrow will be taking part in the national strike action on Wednesday.

The union expects schools in the borough to be closed on the day as teachers from across the capital meet for a rally in central London.

The NUT has raised a number of concerns about government changes, which it says are having a damaging effect on education.

These include teachers working until they are 68 or beyond, increasing pensions contributions by 50 per cent and the introduction of performance-related pay.

NUT executive member Alex Kenny said: "Teacher workload is unsustainable and the thought of doing the job until 68 is driving many away from the job.

“Teacher morale is at dangerously low levels. Children need teachers who are fresh and well motivated not tired and demoralised.

“All the polls show that Michael Gove is out of touch with teachers and parents – he must listen and change direction.

“This strike is his fault - teachers do not like taking strike action but they are prepared to lose pay to stand up for education. We do apologise for the inconvenience to parents but we hope they will support us."