A DECISION is expected imminently on whether Tavistock College will be forced to close on June 30, after members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Associations of Teachers and Lecturers on Tuesday voted to take strike action.

The unions say the Government's proposals on changes to teachers' pensions will leave them working longer, paying more and getting less when they retire.

Helen Salmon, Tavistock College principal, said the school was considering its options.

'We are very reluctant to close the college and will only do so if absolutely necessary. Parents will be informed of our decision in the next few days,' said Mrs Salmon.

About 220,000 NUT members have been balloted over the pension changes. Around nine out of 10 of those who voted backed the strike action, with a turn-out of 40%.

And just over half of the ATL's 160,000 members took part in a separate ballot over changes to the teacher pension scheme — the rest are not members of the scheme.

A formal decision on the strike date was due to be taken yesterday (Wednesday).