A Bradford union chief has revealed how teachers will mark their first day of strike action in a dispute over pay, school funding and staffing.

Thousands of teachers in the National Education Union (NEU) are set to walk out on Wednesday - threatening disruption to more than 200 schools across the district.

Strike action will start early outside the school gates before a gathering in Centenary Square and rally at The Great Victoria Hotel.

According to Bradford’s branch secretary, Tom Bright, primary schools are set to be the most affected.

The NEU expects to see 50 per cent of primary school teachers on the picket lines in Bradford.

While levels of union members in secondary schools vary, the NEU predicts 40 per cent of these teachers will take part.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Mr Bright claimed many teachers cannot afford to go on strike in the current financial climate.

The strikes have been branded “hugely disappointing” by the education secretary Gillian Keegan.

Mr Bright said: “I understand there are people saying children shouldn’t be out of school but this is one day to send a message to the Government. The situation in schools is absolutely dire. Every day I’m talking with teachers who are at breaking point.

“Trying to get resources to those who need it, it’s a real struggle. School leaders know this year the books aren’t going to balance.

“I genuinely think they [the Government] have no idea what the pressures in schools are like. They think they can get away with doing nothing and the schools will cope. Our experiences at schools is we aren’t coping. The majority of schools, certainly schools in Bradford, are struggling and that’s what we need to get out.”

Several schools in Bradford have issued a partial closure over health and safety fears - only a handful of schools will be able to remain fully open.

The education secretary said: “It is hugely disappointing the NEU is continuing with strike action. These strikes will have a significant impact on children’s education, especially following the disruption of the past two years, and are creating huge uncertainly for parents.

“With talks ongoing on a range of issues, including around future pay, workload, behaviour and recruitment and retention, it is clear that strikes are not being used as a last resort.

“I have been clear today that unions do not need to strike to meet with me. I also reiterated my call to union leaders to ask their members to let head teachers know if they intend to strike, helping schools to minimise the impact on children.

“I will continue doing everything possible to protect children’s education.”

Want Bradford’s top stories delivered straight to your inbox each morning? Sign up to our newsletter to get our daily bulletin.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here or call us on 01274 705292.