MORE than half of school leaders balloted on industrial action have said they are prepared to go on strike.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said the past eight years had placed staff under intolerable strain.
Continued industrial action by teachers, coupled with a lack of a functioning executive, has pushed members "to their limit".
The union represents principals and vice-principals in about two-thirds of the north's schools.
In September, members were balloted to indicate their support for industrial action short of a strike, as well support for a strike.
The union said its "members have spoken loudly and with strength".
"NAHT principals, vice principals and assistant principals employed at educational establishments in Northern Ireland have voted by a significant majority to take action with regards to the ongoing dispute on workload, the inspection process, consultation and support for schools," a spokesman said.
Just shy of 95 per cent of respondents said they were prepared to take action short of a strike and 58 per cent were prepared to take strike action.
"In the latter half of next week, we will be sending members further details of any action we may induce them to undertake, which will have minimal impact on learners and their families," the union said.
"Only with the full support of NAHT (NI) principals, vice principals and assistant principals will we be able to show the employing authorities not only that we mean what we say but that we are prepared to act to ensure there is change."
