School asks parents for £10 a month

Parents are urged to give £10 a month

A comprehensive school has asked parents to commit to a £10 monthly donation, as it seeks to make up a budget deficit of £60,000.

The Bramhall High School in Stockport, Greater Manchester sent direct debit forms to pupils' homes, saying the shortfall could mean teachers being lost and larger class sizes as a result.

It sticks in the throat... because I agree 100% that state education should be free

John Peckham, head teacher

"In many ways it is a last resort," said head teacher John Peckham.

"It sticks in the throat, having to ask for the money, especially because I agree 100% that state education should be free."

So far 97 parents had responded, raising £13,500 and some pupils had also been raising money, Mr Peckam said.

"I have been very touched by the response," he said.

The move comes a week after Avondale Park Primary - a schools which serves a council estate in the exclusive Notting Hill area of London - appealed to local homeowners for funds, rather than parents.

'Flawed funding'

Mr Peckham said the system of funding for local schools was flawed.

He said Bramhall was one of the lowest funded schools in one of the lowest funded borough's in the country.

"The formula which allocates funding is flawed.

"I would like to focus on the job in hand - to provide the best for our children.

"But finding the money to get the teachers and put them in the classes is a distraction," said Mr Peckham.

A spokeswoman for Stockport Council said: "We will be lobbying the Department of Education to make sure Stockport gets a better deal next year."