Schools across the South Hams are sending out letters to explain that despite the Government’s promises, there will still be education funding cuts across Devon.

The letter, signed by Kingsbridge Community College principal Kenny Duncan and sent out to parents and carers of schools in Education South West, says: “Following the general election outcome on June 8, Headteacher colleagues and I felt that it is appropriate to contact you again regarding school funding.

“The Conservative manifesto pledged an additional £4bn to fund schools over the next five years”, but that “We remain concerned, however, that the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies recently stated that when rising student numbers and inflationary costs are taken in to account, input of £4bn will still lead to a ‘real terms cut of 2.8 per cent in per pupil funding between 2016 and 2022’.

“This represents a huge sum of money.”

The letter says that in a recent survey of over 750 headteachers, 45 per cent confirmed that “two or significantly more teaching posts are being cut from September 2017”, 92 per cent said that school funding was “inadequate” or “at crisis point” and 90 per cent stated that “recruitment was either ‘difficult’ or ‘extremely challenging’.”

It continues: “Against this background, it is crucial that the new Government responds quickly and effectively to a growing crisis in our schools.

“We are encouraged that, following the election, the media have widely reported a recognition by the Prime Minister that our concerns ‘must be addressed’.

“The only way for our cash-starved schools to function effectively is for proper investment - capital/buildings and revenue - to be made into existing schools.

“The Government must also avoid giving schools additional money through a new formula and then taking it back again through ‘hidden costs’ and stealth taxes.

“Along with Headteacher colleagues from 17 counties stretching from Cornwall to Norfolk and many points in between, I am determined to work collaboratively to ensure fair and adequate school funding for every school is achieved.

“As such, we will complete and encourage the following actions:

“Make the strongest representations to local MPs to ensure that all our schools receive adequate funding. It is crucial that they use their unique influence to hold the government to account on behalf of every child and their families.

“Continue to encourage parents and carers to campaign vigorously to secure adequate school funding. There are national and regional parental groups that are keen to gain your support. They include ‘Fair Funding for all Schools’: www.fairfundingforallschools.org.

“Can I thank you again for your unstinting support which is clearly making a positive difference to

our crucial campaign.”

Education South West includes Kingsbridge Community College, Dartmouth Academy, Teign School, Coombeshead Academy and primary schools in Christow, Blackawton, East Allington, Kingswear, Rydon and Stoke Fleming.