IT IS rare to hear headteachers talk publicly about the challenges of their job, and quite alarming to see the headteacher of a successful large secondary school in Cumbria show the two of his school’s budgets in a town centre demonstration.

One was from when he started as headteacher for just over £8 million, and one for this year for just under £7 million. His school has already managed over £1 million of cuts.

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He clearly showed that funding on schools has fallen. He faces implementing a further £750 000 of cuts on current DfE proposals. This is on top of nearly £100 million cuts to central local authority funding over the last few years. More work for schools to do especially in areas like special needs and training for curriculum and quality teaching.

It was reported that more than 1,000 people supported the demonstration in Penrith. They know that our children (and grandchildren) deserve better.

Chris Brooksbank

Cumbria NUT

Kendal