High schools are dropping lunchtime and after-school clubs after half term.

It is as a result of teachers in three unions voting for industrial action, short of striking, as they continue their dispute with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

Identical letters sent from the head teachers of the island’s five state-run secondary schools confirmed that the action was being taken from Monday, February 24, by members of the National Association of Head Teachers, the Association of School and College Leaders and the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers.

The letters say: ’Teachers will all work their contracted hours, but some will not participate in anything outside of these times.’

While lesson time won’t be affected, there will no longer be cover for lunchtime clubs and many after school activities such as revision sessions and after-school clubs will not be run.

There will be no sports fixtures between schools.

However, where school activities are related to a sports trip which is already booked, they will go ahead. Emails will also not be responded to if they are received outside school hours.

However, activities that contribute towards recognised qualifications such as Duke of Edinburgh awards and where parents have already paid for trips, will go ahead as planned.

The letters add: ’For the moment parents’ evenings, review days and options evenings will go ahead as normal, though these may be affected if the action escalates to a second phase.

’Please be assured that all timetabled lessons are continuing as normal and students will access their full curriculum.

’Those students sitting external exams in the summer will continue to receive the support, guidance and expertise of their subject teachers as would normally be the case in helping them prepare for their exams.’

Meanwhile, the civil service union Prospect has voiced its support for the teachers and lecturers in their industrial action.

Mick Hewer, Prospect’s negotiations officer, said: ’Whilst Prospect members are not directly involved in the dispute, they are feeling the effects of the department’s inability to bring the dispute to a satisfactory conclusion in a timely manner.’