Majority of schools face 'catastrophic' staff cuts to stay afloat

A survey of more than 11,000 headteachers in England by the NAHT union has revealed the brutal cuts schools are facing in the face of rising costs and funding reductions

Chiefs warn they will have to downsize (

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The majority of schools are having to lay off staff or cut working hours in a desperate attempt to stay afloat.

A survey of over 11,000 school leaders in England by trade union NAHT has revealed the severe cuts schools are facing in the face of rising costs and funding cuts.

Two-thirds (66%) of principals warn they will have to lay off teaching assistants or cut hours, while half (50%) plan to cut the number of teachers or hours teaching.

NAHT leader Paul Whiteman has warned that staff cuts will be "catastrophic", resulting in larger class sizes and reduced support for vulnerable students.

The survey found that more than 9 in 10 schools will not be able to balance the books without drastic cuts, with only 5% of headteachers saying they will be able to pay their fees next school year.

NAHT boss Paul Whiteman has warned that the staff cuts will be "catastrophic" (

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More than half (54%) of schools said they would run a deficit this year unless they made further cuts.

Schools face a £2 billion funding shortfall by 2024/5, according to a recent study by the Education Policy Institute. This equates to £40,000 for an average primary school and £210,000 for an average secondary school.

The grim discoveries come at the beginning of the union