Several schools are set to shut for four days while staff strike over a long-running pay dispute.

Staff at the schools, all in East Sussex, who are members of the National Education Union (NEU) will take action on June 27 and also on July 3, 4 and 5, causing closures or partial closures.

Paul McLaughlin, regional secretary for the NEU, said: “This dispute is over a pay rise still due to some staff .

“The Government agreed a 2 per cent increase for newer teachers on the lowest point of a six-point scale and a 2 per cent increase on the highest point of the scale.

“It was argued those staff on the middle points should benefit from the same increase, which was agreed, but in East Sussex teachers on that scale were only given a 1 per cent rise.

“It averages out to about £1,700 per school to make up that missing 1 per cent, the costs are marginal.”

Schools affected by the strikes include Peacehaven Community School, Priory School in Lewes, Seaford Head School and St Catherine’s College in Eastbourne.

Mr McLaughlin said: “While schools are able to work to their own pay policies, schools in East Sussex have chosen to adopt the council’s flawed policy.

“There is some constructive dialogue at the moment.

“We are continuing to seek a resolution with employers and the authority, but action will go ahead if this cannot be resolved satisfactorily.”

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council said: “While we understand teachers have concerns over pay, we are disappointed that the National Education Union have decided to resort to industrial action.

“The education of our children should be an absolute priority and nothing should disrupt that. Headteachers and the local authority have been working together to try and seek a resolution to move forward with the NEU.

“East Sussex County Council does not decide the annual increase in teachers’ pay. We consult annually with schools on a model pay policy for ESCC maintained schools, based on information from the Department for Education.

MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle said: “I am sure parents will appreciate, while disruptive, strikes are always the absolute last resort.

“I hope ESCC will get round the table with teachers as soon as possible and ensure they get the pay they deserve, and would already be receiving in other local authorities, to avoid disruption to schooling.”