Headteacher's school cash warning

Robin Precey, of Seaford Head Community College, is so worried about the possible effect on his students' education he is encouraging parents and pupils to join him in voicing their concerns.

He said: 'Central government has announced that East Sussex along with some other local authorities in the South East will receive one of the smallest increases in funding, 3.2 per cent next year. There will be large increases in the North.

'At the very best the county council will make substantial increases to council tax which will mean that the main school budgets will be at a standstill.

'However, many of the special grants paid out by central government direct to schools, are being stopped from April. So in real terms, many schools will have less money than last year to spend on the education of young people.'

Mr Precey painted a grim picture of the outcome. He said: 'Governing bodies and headteachers will be looking at the consequences of this for their schools.

'Likely outcomes include the cutting of programmes such as special need support which is making a significant difference to young people, larger class sizes, fewer books and computer resources, and less maintenance on buildings.

'It will be very difficult for schools in this county to continue to raise standards as they have been doing.'

Seaford Head Community College caters for 1,400 students aged 11 to 18. It is also responsible for adult education and the youth service in the Seaford area.

Mr Precey said teachers' jobs were being made an even tougher uphill struggle. 'At a time when education is said to be at, or near, the top of the national agenda, we find it bemusing and frustrating that schools are being asked to do more, and do it better, with fewer resources.

'We believe it is important that parents, pupils and all those who have an interest in and concern for education are aware of these facts and are able to take action as they see appropriate.'