A SCHOOL has announced it will no longer offer some GCSE subjects due to a significant reduction in funding.

Haslingden High School, which has made half a million pounds worth of savings since 2011, will no longer offer sociology and child development at key stage four.

In a letter to parents headteacher Mark Jackson said they took the decision after receiving the school's budget for 2017/18 which sees them facing a 'more than anticipated' reduction in funding.

He said: "Since 2011 our main school funding has been frozen, sixth form funding reduced dramatically and significant increases in employer costs having to be borne by the school. We have had to make approximately £500,000 of savings so far. This is a national issue, no means unique to Haslingden High School.

"We are very keen to protect front line services and continue to deliver a high quality, broad and balanced education for your children."

He said: "We have still got 19 different options for our students to choose from. I would be very surprised if other schools were offering such a variety of choice."

Citing a survey carried out by the Association of School and College Leaders, he added: "This is not a unique situation to us. 72 per cent of schools have made cuts to subjects. We feel it is a sensible thing to do to make sure we are planning for the future."

It comes as a government consultation into a new national funding formula is due to close next week while teaching unions have warned 98 per cent of schools are set to lose funding.

Parent Lisa Bloor, who has two children at the school and another starting in September, said: "They are not subjects my children were going to choose but the problem is at what point does it stop?"

The activist, who is a Labour party candidate for Rossendale West, added:"If the government continues to cut the budgets subjects will be dropped. It is inevitable."

Graham Jones, MP for Hyndburn, said parents and parent groups will end up having to try and fund the shortfalls.

"Teaching assistants and ancillary staff will have to be laid off," he said.

"A good education is the basis of a successful economy. Providing the best opportunities to children should be a priority. These cuts show our economic problems run deep and the importance of our children's education has been downgraded."

Mr Jackson is one of 150 headteachers across the north west to sign a letter to MPs highlighting the schools funding issue.