DOZENS of schools across Cumbria are at ‘breaking point’, according to a leading union figure.

Head teacher, teachers and governors from across the county gathered to discuss the impact cuts to funding is having on schools at the National Association of Head Teachers Cumbria Education Summit at Rheged, near Penrith.

In Cumbria, 234 out of 272 schools face cuts. The county will see a £10.9million loss by 2020 – £197 per pupil.

A national survey by NAHT showed 65 per cent of school leaders ‘strongly agree’ cut backs have already had a negative impact on the performance of their school.

Rob Kelsall, National Secretary (Organising & Campaigns) of NAHT, said: “Schools across Cumbria are at breaking-point.

“Government cuts to school budgets have been unrelenting in the last few years and head teachers are saying that enough is enough.”

Among the speakers was South Lakes MP Tim Farron. He said the Government’s ‘perverse’ funding scheme, which means schools pay for the first 11 hours of support for children with learning disabilities, was too expensive.

Mr Farron said: “From regular conversations I have with head teachers in the South Lakes and from listening to teachers from across the whole of Cumbria, it’s clear that there are deep concerns about funding for their schools.

“A big problem I was able to raise today was the frankly perverse scheme which leaves head teachers knowing the more young people they have with special needs, the worse it is financially.”