THOUSANDS of children were sent home from school today as teachers went on strike over plans to set up three privately sponsored academies.

Five schools in Croydon were shut as a result of the action by 130 members of the National Union of Teachers.

The union said Croydon's £350 million plans would see the council "abdicate municipal responsibility" by handing control over schools to private business figures and church groups.

Academies are semi-independent state funded schools set up to transform failing comprehensives.

In exchange for up to £2 million, sponsors gain control of an academy, with the power to set the school's ethos and appoint governors. Ministers aim to establish 70 academies in London by 2011.

Dave Harvey, of Croydon NUT, warned that further strikes were possible unless the council rethinks its plan.

Nearly 2,800 pupils have been sent home from the schools affected - Ashburton Infants and Junior schools, Ashburton Community School, Addington High School and Westwood Language College. Teenagers in GCSE classes are not affected by the strike.

The walkout coincides with the launch of Croydon council's consultation over proposals for secondary schools.

Dave Hill, executive director for children's services in Croydon, said: "There is strong evidence showing that exam results at academies improve at double the national average rate."