MORE than 30 schools will be closed as a result of a teachers strike on Thursday.

Figures released from Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Newport councils revealed that many schools will be closed fully, while some will still be able to run classes.

All six comprehensives in Blaenau Gwent will be closed while 18 primary schools will also be shut.

Six primary schools will be partially open.

Monmouthshire secondary schools will also be heavily hit by the strike.

All comprehensives will be closed with the exception of their sixth forms, with the exception of Monmouth Comprehensive, which will run Year 11 classes as well.

Only seven schools will fully close in the county, with 15 fully opening and 12 partially opening.

Most other comprehensives will be open at least partially during the dispute.

In Newport, only Lliswerry High and St Joseph's RC High will be fully open out of the city's secondary schools.

A total of 31 Newport schools will be partially hit, with teachers running either most of fewer of the usual classes. Twelve will close, and 21 will remain open.

Meanwhile in Torfaen Abersychan Comprehensive will fully close, while all other secondary schools will be open partially or fully.

Altogether 17 schools will open, 14 will close and 14 will open partially.

Caerphilly County Borough Council could not report the number of closed schools by time of going to press.

The strike, voted for by members of the National Union of Teachers, was called over a pay rise of 2.45 per cent pay rise, which it argues is below inflation.

The government has said all other teaching unions have agreed to the pay rise.

Full details are available at www.southwalesargus.co.uk.