TEACHERS were picketing a Leyton school this morning (Thursday) in protest against trust status.

Members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) gathered outside Norlington School, in Norlington Road.

Under controversial plans, the school is expected to merge with nearby Beaumont Primary and George Mitchell Schools and would move out of local authority control.

But members of NUT believe trust status will not benefit the school and have said they feel they were forced into the decision.

NUT secretary Rinaldo Frezzato said: "The fundamental weakness in the argument for trusts is that they keep saying they want to improve teaching and learning but none of them have ever explained how that's supposed to happen."

Governors voted in favour of the plans, which will see control of the school handed over to the Institute of Education.

Full strike report to follow.