Teachers in Ipswich have hit out at what they say are “attacks on the education system” by Education Secretary Michael Gove.

The town’s association of the National Union of Teachers will be taking part in a nationwide strike on March 26.

They will also be handing out leaflets outside Boots in the town centre on Saturday between 11am and 1pm.

It is in support of the Stand up for Education campaign.

Vice-president of the Ipswich association, Andrew Rowe, said: “Ultimately, disrupting a days education is a small price to pay for the long-term damage that is being inflicted on our education system by Michael Gove and the coalition government.

“This is an issue that should concern everyone.

“Our children deserve enthusiastic, energetic teachers, not overworked and stressed ones.

“Michael Gove has consistently failed to meet with the NUT to listen to our concerns and so we are reluctantly taking strike action in order to show him that teachers have had enough of his attacks on them and the education system.”

Among the chief concerns held by the NUT are the potential for free schools and academies to recruit unqualified teachers and that there are not enough new teachers to go around.

The Ipswich association says not only is morale among teachers “plummeting” but their workload has increased, while two in five leave the profession after just five years.

Curriculum changes and the need for new schools are also key concerns.