CANDIDATE URGES MINISTER TO FULLY FUND COUNTY SIXTH FORMS

12.40.37pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 6th Apr 2009

Local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt has written to Education Minister, Jim Knight calling on him to fully fund the increase in the numbers of sixth-form students across the county amidst fears that per capita budgets will be cut.

"In a letter received from the Learning and Skills Council at the end of last month, Head Teachers were told that per capita funding for sixth form pupils would be cut for this academic year, putting real strain on school finances," said Richard.

"The planned settlement for Pershore High School would result in a 3.75% per capita cut in funding for 16-18 year old students at the school, wiping £40,000 from the school's budget, which is the equivalent of funding for one teacher or nine sixth-form students for the entire year.

"Cuts of this order would clearly be very damaging for schools and colleges across the county.

"In a statement, the Minister has now said that the letter was a mistake and that he would 'consider options for further funding'.

"I have written asking him to ensure that the increase in sixth form student numbers is fully funded across the board. It does not inspire confidence when Heads are told out of the blue that their per capita funding will be cut when they have already budgeted for the year ahead."