CALLS for ‘extra funding and staffing’ have been made as state educators were told to be more like private schools.

Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire’s NUT representative, Simon Jones, said more resources were needed for the state education system.

The union’s national executive member spoke out after Michael Gove said he wanted to break down the ‘Berlin Wall’ between state and independent sectors.

The education secretary said this could see state pupils taking entrance exams and state schools staying open for longer hours.

Mr Jones said the private sector had an advantage of more resources.

He said: “We have excellent provision in the state sector.

“However, one of the reasons some parents cite for choosing to pay, is the smaller class sizes which the independent sector offers.

“With extra funding and staffing, all schools could offer extra-curricular activities.

“In the NUT, we believe, of course, that the national curriculum should cover the important areas of teaching music, art, and drama.

“These areas should not just be available outside of the school day.

“However, the union feels that the push for longer school days of up to 10 hours will be counterproductive for many children and young people.”