Lessons, exams and a sixth form open day could be disrupted when teachers walk out on strike in a row over job cuts and pay tomorrow.

Members of the NASUWT teaching union voted for the action after raising their concerns about cuts at the Norton Knatchbull School in Hythe Road in Ashford.

Up to 30 members could walk out and stated they have “little or no confidence” in the leadership of head teacher Susanne Staab.

They say that Mrs Staab had previously reassured staff in September last year and again in January that the school boasted a surplus budget and had denied rumours that the school had lost money “through our own fault”.

But then school department heads were told to slash spending, while support staff in ICT and in special educational needs were made redundant.

They also fear that class sizes for some A-level and GCSE subjects could be doubled and that departing teachers won’t be replaced.

In a letter to parents Mrs Staab said schools across the country are facing government cuts, forcing them to review staffing levels.

She wrote: “The school’s financial budget forecast is positive and our curriculum offer at all levels remains extensive, broad and balanced.

“During this process, the school has not made any redundancies among the teaching staff. We anticipate being fully staffed in September.”

She said the school is taking steps to address concerns about teacher’s workload and said a pay offer has been made which exceeds the recommendation of the School Teachers’ Review Board.

She added: “Please be assured that the school will remain open for all year groups during this day of strike action and pupils will be involved in valuable educational activities throughout the day.

“We therefore expect all pupils to attend school on Wednesday, June 29 as usual and come fully equipped for school.”

Union representatives say they have sought to avoid disruption to the busy exam period and their pupils' education. There are a total of six strike days planned in the coming weeks unless a deal is reached to end the row.

Meanwhile members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) have voted for strike action nationwide on Tuesday, June 5, in a row over pay and conditions.