Teachers will go on strike before the end of the summer term if school bosses don’t reconsider a controversial move to academy status.

Ninety-seven per cent of Worthing High School’s most represented union have voted in favour of industrial action if bosses don’t open up a democratic debate into the move.

Dave Thomas, of the National Union of Teachers, claims that despite the overwhelming majority of staff opposing the plans the school is not listening to them.

In a statement, he said: “We have reached a critical stage. Leaving aside the students and parents, the staff of any school are its greatest resource. The governors should listen to them.”

In a recent indicative ballot, 97% of National Union of Teachers members voted in favour of industrial action.

The union represents over half of the total staff, with the others split between NASUWT, UNISON and ATL.

James Ellis, campaign organiser for Unison, said: “There has been a worrying lack of openness and democratic process. If such a large percentage of teachers are against the plans then they should listen to them.”

Despite 500-people signing a petition against the plans, school governors supported the move to academy status last month.

The Argus understands that the Department for Education could rubber-stamp the change before the start of the autumn term.

Sarah Maynard, who is campaigning to get the school to reconsider, said: “Nobody wants to strike, but this really is the last resort. A provisional date has been set and it has to be before the end of the summer term.”

Headteacher Alison Beer said: “All staff have had the opportunity to be fully engaged in dialogue with governors and the head teacher. We are aware that there are a number of staff who remain concerned about the change of status and we are currently giving an opportunity for staff to continue to discuss these concerns through head teacher and governor meetings.”