Two south Essex secondary schools have warned they may close during teachers' strikes set to go ahead after talks failed to achieve a breakthrough.

Westcliff High School for Girls and The Appleton School in South Benfleet have both sent out letters to parents warning they may be forced to close when teachers are expected to strike on February 1 and on March 1, 15 and 16.

In her letter, Westcliff High School for Girls headteacher Emma Matthews said: "It is our intention that the school will remain open on these dates, however, staff shortages due to strike action, may mean that we will be unable to deliver our normal provision.

"We will not know the extent of these staff shortages until nearer the time. In the eventuality that there are not enough staff to safely have students on site, we will likely need to undertake a partial school closure for some year groups."

The school's year 13 mock exams planned for February 1 will also still go ahead.

The Appleton School headteacher Sarah Cox said in her letter: "We appreciate that short notice closure will be inconvenient for families and will do what we can, within the legal guidance, to maintain some service.

"However, this may not be sufficient for all children to attend in the event of significant support for the (strike) action."

Both schools have reassured they will, where possible, still have staff on site during strike days for vulnerable children, children of key workers and children sitting external exams this year.

Teaching union leaders spent six hours with officials at the Department for Education on Friday in a dispute over pay but the row remains unresolved.

There was no indication that more money will be made available to improve this year’s below-inflation pay rise which has led to a series of ballots for strikes.

The NEU is pressing ahead with strikes in England and Wales from February 1.