Nearly a dozen schools across Hyndburn were closed and several others disrupted as teachers staged a strike over pay, pensions and jobs.

The one-day walkout affected all secondary schools as members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and NASUWT took part in the industrial action.

Union bosses hailed the strike action a ‘huge success’ with rallies taking place at various cities across the North West of England.

However, the government claimed the industrial action was less successful than strikes in 2011 with more than half the region’s schools staying open.

One of the schools to close was Mount Carmel High School in Accrington.

Headteacher Xavier Bowers said the action was taken as a ‘last resort’.

He said: “From a union point of view they will probably be pleased by the fact that all secondary schools in our area were closed.

“They got the support from their members and caused so much disruption. I can assure you from our teachers’ perspective that they took the action as a last resort. Some were apologetic but felt they had to support the union and stand up.

“Where it goes forward from now who knows? I don’t see a change of heart from Michael Gove and it’s almost a stalemate situation.”

Christine Blower, general secretary of the NUT, said the industrial action was an ‘absolutely huge success’.

She said: “Teachers know that this campaign is about standing up for education. As the brilliant marches and rallies in the North West show, there is widespread support for the campaign. Government education policies have to change. Teachers together will defend education.”

The Department for Education said 27 per cent of schools in the North West were fully open during the industrial action, compared to six per cent in 2011. A further 28 per cent were partially open.

A spokesperson said: “The NUT and NASUWT have tried to create as much disruption for pupils and parents as possible.

“In spite of that, thanks to many hard working teachers and heads, more than half of schools in the North West have stayed open for children. It is disappointing that the NUT and NASUWT are opposing measures to allow heads to pay good teachers more.

“We have met frequently with the NUT and NASUWT to discuss their concerns and will continue to do so.”