Secondary schools across the county will partially close on Thursday, December 8 due to strike action by Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA), East Lothian Council has confirmed.

The industrial action follows strikes declared by the EIS and the AHDS last month that saw all schools in East Lothian close their doors.

Cosla had presented teachers across Scotland with an improved pay offer of up to 6.85 per cent, but this was described by unions as "insulting".

Teaching unions had been asking for a 10 per cent rise in wages but the Scottish Government called this "simply unaffordable".

Nicola McDowell, head of education at East Lothian Council, said: "As with last week’s strike, I know that this action will mean disruption to learning, and that our families will have to make alternative childcare arrangements on that day, however as always, ensuring the health and safety of our children and young people must take priority.

"As with any announcement about strike action, there remains a possibility that ongoing pay negotiations may mean that the strike is called off. I will keep you informed of any further developments and arrangements via our website and your child’s school."

Information on each school is as follows:

  • In Haddington, Knox Academy will only be open for S4-S6 pupils attending to sit a prelim.
  • All other S4-6 pupils and all S1-S3 pupils should learn remotely for this day.
  • If your young person requires a Chromebook for this day please ask them to see Mr Illingworth to get this device.
  • Meadowpark will be open to all S1-S6 pupils.
  • Dunbar Grammar School will be open to S4-S6 only.
  • Senior students should attend and follow their usual timetable.
  • Some classes may not be running, but students will be provided with IT and a supervised workspace.
  • All other students in S1-3 should not attend and work will be uploaded to Google classroom for the lessons which students usually have on a Thursday.
  • Staff who are participating in strike action will not be able to upload work therefore supplementary tasks and additional resources will be shared by Mr McBride.
  • North Berwick High School will be open to S5 and S6 only. All other pupils should not attend.
  • S5 and S6 pupils should follow their normal timetable but must report to the main hall if their teacher is not present and will be supervised to study.
  • Preston Lodge High School will be open to S5 and S6 students only, who should attend timetabled classes for teachers who are not striking. S1-S4 students should not attend.
  • An S5 and S6 assembly at 8.30am will detail finalised plans for the day, and confirm which staff are in school, and which lessons will run.
  • S1-4 students will be provided with remote learning work on the same basis as November 24, with further detail provided closer to the time.
  • At Ross High School there will be significant numbers of teaching staff on strike, and so pupils are asked not to attend school on this day.
  • Online learning will be available for classes of teachers who are non-striking. Pupils are to use the same online links that were provided last week.
  • Ross High School’s ASN department (Complex Needs) will remain open to pupils who access this area.
  • Musselburgh Grammar School will only be open to S4-S6 pupils sitting the prelims (the exception being Music).
  • All other S1-S6 pupils should not attend school.
  • Pupils should log onto Google classroom at 8.30am on Thursday 8 December by which time teachers who are not involved in industrial action will have posted work.
  • Those sitting music exams will have their prelims moved to Friday, December 9 with Higher Music at 11.25am - 12.25pm, National 5 Music at 1pm - 1.45pm and AH Music at 1pm - 2.15pm