A staff strike at a school in St Albans has been averted after an agreement was reached over pension eligibility.

Teachers at St Columba’s College were set to take industrial action on Wednesday and Thursday morning, over the college's "attempts to worsen" the terms and conditions of eligible staff on the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

But, a spokesperson for the school confirmed the strike was averted after talks took place.

"We are pleased that we reached a point where strike action was averted," they said.

"Throughout this process, governors have sought to try and take a positive and pragmatic approach to the school’s relationship with the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

"We wanted to ensure that our staff are recognised for their invaluable contribution, but we also needed to reduce the risk to fees and our ability to invest in the school because the pension contribution is uncapped and growing rapidly.

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"That is why, following a meeting of the governors on Monday, we took the decision to further develop our proposal so that those existing staff who remain in the TPS will be able to benefit from an increase to the cap we are placing on the employer pension contribution.

"In accordance with the original proposal, further increases which exceed this cap will need to be funded by salary increases. New staff will be required to join a different pension scheme from September 2024.

"This outcome was shared with staff earlier this week, and they voted overwhelmingly in favour of calling a halt to the strike action. Lessons resumed as normal.

"We are grateful that so many of our staff have understood the school’s position and have approached this consultation in a positive and collaborative way.

"We now look forward to focusing on what matters most – and that is the education and wellbeing of the children and young people whom we are so fortunate to welcome to our school."