A secondary school in neighbouring Rochdale has shut its doors to the majority of pupils for three days this week, as strike action by teaching unions continues to cause significant disruption.

Leaders confirmed the closure following a risk assessment that considered staffing levels, pupil safety and supervision needs during the industrial action. The school warned that disruption would be significant across all three days.

Pupils in Years 7 to 10 have been asked to remain at home and complete work set through school email systems. The school has said those pupils are expected to complete all assigned tasks during the closure period.

Year 11 pupils, however, will attend school as usual, with most lessons expected to go ahead. The school confirmed that exam procedures will remain unchanged as the GCSE examination period begins, with established routines continuing to support pupils through this key time.

Provision will remain in place for vulnerable pupils, while those eligible for free school meals can collect a grab bag from the school each morning.

The school’s leadership said they have been in ongoing discussions with the NASUWT and NEU unions and have introduced a number of changes in response to concerns raised. These include adjustments linked to a wider staffing restructure and school improvement plans.

The trust behind the school said the restructure has now completed consultation, with amendments made following feedback from staff and professional associations. It added that there will be no compulsory redundancies and that the changes are intended to strengthen leadership, teaching quality, pupil support and safeguarding.

A revised leadership structure will come into effect from September, including an executive headteacher, two deputy headteachers and five assistant headteachers overseeing key areas such as teaching, behaviour, safeguarding and inclusion.

The trust said the changes are designed to improve standards, support pupils with additional needs, and strengthen attendance and pastoral care across the school.

The school’s leadership team acknowledged the disruption caused to families and said discussions with unions are continuing. While the school is not in Oldham itself, the impact of such closures is felt across the wider region, and local families with children at the school are urged to check for updates directly.