Schools may be forced to close for one day EVERY WEEK to help cut costs

Options: Peter Woodman said schools have to consider closing for one day every week (SWNS)

Headteachers of cash-strapped schools have warned that they may be forced to close for one day a week while they attempt to cut costs.

Letter have been sent out to concerned parents by over 150 state primary and secondary schools in West Sussex, explaining that drastic measures may need to be taken to save money.

One of the options outlined was “modifying school opening hours”, leaving pupils with a four-day-a-week education.

Peter Woodman, head of the Weald school in Billingshurst and chair of the West Sussex Secondary Heads’ Executive, said: “What is frightening is when you start saying ‘do we have enough money to open five days a week?’

“We’re not saying we’re going there yet. We’re saying on the range of things, absolutely everything needs to be explored.”

While the decision has not definitely yet been made, Jules White, head of Tanbridge House school in Horsham, said the shorter week option had to be looked at.

He added: “This includes increasing class sizes again, reducing our curriculum, not replacing staff and considering revised opening hours.

“This is the last thing that any school leader would want to do but if your authority receives £200million less than the average London borough each year, this is what happens.”

Top pic: SWNS