The head teacher at one of Watford’s biggest schools has warned after-school clubs – and more seriously jobs – could be at risk.

In what has been described as an “unprecedented move”, Parmiter’s head Michael Jones has written to parents outlining the financial difficulties the school faces alongside other schools across the country.

In the letter, Mr Jones says school budgets have been “under pressure for some time” with “little relief in sight”.

Mr Jones says his team are “proud” that funding constraints have not impacted on the quality of teaching at Parmiter’s, he has warned the extra-curricular programme which Parmiter’s offers is “under threat by a shrinking budget allocation”.

The head teacher hints that redundancies are a possibility too.

He wrote: “The senior leadership team will work tirelessly to mitigate the serious challenges presented by inadequate funding, despite often being faced with having to make difficult decisions which may have a direct impact on colleagues.

“Please be assured that we will take whatever measures and action may prove necessary to preserve the quality of staff we employ.”

Watford Observer:

Watford Observer:

The full letter sent to parents and carers by Parmiter's head teacher Michael Jones

Meanwhile the chairman of governors at Parmiter’s and Watford Grammar School for Girls were among five signatories of a letter to the Guardian newspaper calling for more money in education, adding a “staffing crisis is threatening to undermine their capacity to deliver excellent state education”.

The letter states that schools are struggling to fill teaching posts in science, technology, engineering, and maths.

The National Association of Head teachers has indicated seven out of ten school leaders consider their budgets to be “untenable” by the next academic year.

The Watford Labour party says additional resources in education are “desperately needed”.

Parliamentary candidate Chris Ostrowski said: “It is an absolute disgrace that the Tories have inflicted such devastation on our local education system. Children and teachers are suffering. Watford’s Tory MP has willingly voted for every single cut in school funding - it's shameful.

“Under a Labour government, we would provide schools the real terms increase in funding they so desperately need and ensure that all children receive the high quality education they deserve.”

But Watford’s MP Richard Harrington says funding per pupil has increased and his party has invested more in the most vulnerable pupils.

He added: “We are lucky to have some of the best schools in the country in Watford, and I have pushed for over £60 million investment from government to expand and improve premises, as well as open new schools like the Watford UTC.

“In recent weeks, I have invited the Schools Ministers to Watford to meet with head teachers, and I hope to have a date for that soon.”