HEADTEACHERS and unions have warned of ‘significant challenges’ to sixth form budgets after changes to the way they are funded.

The government has reduced post-16 funding to bring sixth forms in line with further education colleges.

Union chiefs have warned schools will have fewer teachers and be able to offer fewer subjects.

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Sam Uddin, Lancashire division secretary for the National Union of Teachers, warned sixth forms could lose around £30,000 a year, the equivalent of one teacher.

He said: “Costs are increasing but the budget is not.

“Pupil costs are going up by 10 per cent when you factor in national insurance, employer contributions and pension contributions.

“There are schools up and down the country that will be employing fewer teachers and teaching assistants.

“There will be fewer classes and when teachers leave they will not be replaced.

“They will be asking if they can still deliver sixth form subjects.”

Brendon Conboy, who leads Thomas Whitham Sixth Form in Burnley, said headteachers are very concerned about the impact on the curriculum.

He said: “We have known about this and been preparing but it is a massive challenge for all sixth forms.

“The pension increases and employers contributions is an issue for all schools but especially sixth forms.

“It is a really difficult time and we are looking to use our resources as well as we can.

“We are very concerned about the impact on the curriculum we can offer. I worry for all sixth forms.

“The implication is as funding gets tighter it restricts the curriculum and you do not have the number of staff you need.”

Mark Jackson, headteacher at Haslingden High School and Sixth Form, said although 11 to 16 budgets have been protected, in reality there is significantly less money.

He said: “For post 16 there has actually been a reduction.

“Over the last six to seven years it has been about 15 per cent on average which is massive.

“It has not had an impact on what we offer at the moment but it will get harder and harder.”

“Nationally there are big concerns about certain subjects - some of the smaller uptake subjects like German, music, technology. All sixth forms will be looking at how many students you have to have to make a course viable.”

Overall, Lancashire’s schools budget is facing a £3.49million shortfall for 2017/18 which will be made up from reserves.

In a debate in the House of Commons last week schools minister Nick Gibb said he ‘absolutely recognised’ resources were tight for post 16 education.