SCHOOLS in south Essex could have their funding slashed by up to £400,000, a study has revealed.

Research by the NUT and other unions has compared each school’s funding in 2015/16 with the funding the Government predicts it will receive in 2019-20 under its proposed new National Funding Formula, adjusted for the impact of inflation and cost increases imposed on schools.

Most of the school across south Essex could see worryingly huge budget reductions.

The Basildon Lower Academy could be one of the hardest hit, as the research predicts that it will lose £377,449 in funding by 2019.

This is the equivalent of it losing £850 per pupil or the equivalent or ten teachers.

Woodlands School, in Basildon, could face losing £673,509, the equivalent of £464 per pupil or 17 teachers.

It is estimated that the Cornelius Vermuyden School, on Canvey, could lose £351,692, which is the equivalent of £400 per pupil or ten teachers.

The Eastwood Academy could see a funding reduction of £557,988, the same as losing £615 per pupil or 15 teachers.

In total, Southend could see the budget slashed by £13,252,652, the equivalent of 355 teachers and £532 per pupil.

Essex-wide, £69,351,696 would be slashed from schools’ budgets if the predictions are proven to be correct.

Essex NUT general secretary Jerry Glazier said: “Under this Government’s funding policies, there are no winners, only losers.

“Essex schools are being forced to make difficult and damaging decisions that no headteacher should have to make.

“These include reducing school staff and teachers, increasing class sizes, and reducing the range of subjects offered simply so that the books can be balanced.”

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong learning, said: “We are committed to ensuring all pupils receive the best possible education.

“The Government’s proposed new funding formula aims to ensure the level of funding received by each school is fair and relative to the needs of its pupils, taking into account levels of deprivation, pupil attainment, additional needs and other key factors.

“We want children from all backgrounds to get the best chance in life and welcome the introduction of a fairer, more transparent system.

“It is important to stress that the new funding formula remains subject to the outcome of a second phase of consultation. However, illustrative figures show funding for Essex schools would increase by £20million, with 72 per cent of the county’s schools standing to gain funding.

“Schools that are adversely affected would be protected by the minimum funding guarantee.”

He added there was still a second phase of consultation and all schools would be protected by the minimum funding guarantee.