'˜Larger classes, fewer teachers and dilapidated buildings': heads warn

Although the Government maintains that funding has remained the same, all schools face rising costs due to inflation – as well as extra charges recently introduced by the Government.

Local headteachers have joined their colleagues across the country in lobbying politicians to increase funding to schools.

This group includes headteachers and principles of Causeway School, Hailsham Community College, Ratton School, St Catherine’s College, Seaford Head School, Sussex Downs College, The Eastbourne Academy and Willingdon Community School.

A spokesperson said, “Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford Secondary Headteachers are passionately committed to maintaining and improving standards for our children and young people.

“We believe that we need to work constructively with our political representatives in order to secure sufficient funding to deliver an outstanding level of service for the very children who, as young adults will contribute to and enhance the future of our country. We simply do not have sufficient funding under the current proposals.”

They are arguing that the current funding situation will lead to: larger class sizes; fewer teachers and senior staff; school buildings falling into disrepair; cuts to pastoral services and special needs support; outdated computer equipment; fewer GCSE and A Level options; and fewer trips and after school activities that had previously been subsidised or offered free.

The group says, according to the National Audit Office, the discrepancy between the Government not increasing funding and inflation increasing costs for schools will mean they receive £3 billion less funding between 2019 and 2020.

Former teacher and Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell is backing the headteachers. She said, “I have made my views clear to ministers these reductions should not happen and I support local headteachers in their opposition to them.”