HIGH schools in Worcestershire, including Evesham, are at a financial crisis point – that’s the message from headteachers from across the county.
And in a letter sent to thousands of parents they have highlighted the seriousness of their financial position.
The headteachers say they are united in warning parents that they cannot prevent another year of belt tightening from affecting their children.
The letter lists some effects of these economies: larger classes, fewer options and less support for the most vulnerable.
It does recognise that a new method for allocating government money across the country has been a step towards a fairer system.
However they say the gap between schools in Worcestershire and those over the border in south Birmingham is still far too wide.
The letter also sets out the declining real value of the national investment in schools since 2015 – although the headline figure has gone up, the demands upon school budgets have risen faster still.
“It is unfair that children being taught in Worcestershire receive less money than their peers in other parts of the country,” said Prince Henry’s High School headteacher Dr Tony Evans.
“Whilst this is the case, it will always be unfair for Worcestershire children and it demonstrates the value for money that is achieved by Worcestershire schools in terms of the outcomes achieved.
“Yet, with additional funding, we could achieve so much more. That’s why we are part of the group of Worcestershire schools who have joined the national campaign to see that fair funding is received for our children.
“We are also campaigning for enhanced Sixth Form funding, as the national rate of £4,000 per student has not increased for five years and is currently £5,000 less than what the Universities charge for their tuition.” he added.
The headteachers are inviting parents to support their campaign and they themselves are backing the national Worth Less? movement.
Some of them intend to be among those delivering this message to Downing Street on September 28.
