HACKNEY North and Stoke Newington Labour MP Diane Abbott, community activists, parents and academics have backed a six-day strike by teaching staff after a conglomerate took over their trailblazing sixth form.

Teachers and support staff at BSix college in Hackney, north London, began their walk out on Tuesday in the wake of New City College imposing “dramatic” changes resulting in increases to their workload without commensurate increases to pay.

National Education Union district officer David Davies said: “BSix has served the community successfully for many years.