EDUCATION Secretary Ed Balls has prompted fury by suggesting a £2 billion cost-cutting programme in schools including axing up to 3,000 deputy heads and other senior posts.

Setting out the first concrete evidence of cuts, Mr Balls also warned teachers to expect to feel the pinch in pay packets.

The changes, which involve merging some schools’ administrations, were vital to protect the jobs of ordinary teachers, he claimed, and could mainly be achieved through natural wastage.

But he was warned by unions they would fight any plan to merge administrations if they had an impact on standards in the classroom.

Jerry Glazier, Essex secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: “Nobody is going to deny the next Government is going to have a major problem when it comes to balancing the nation’s finances.

“What we must ensure is the quality of education is not affected by any proposals.

“A well educated and well skilled workforce is vital to lead Britain into economic recovery which would well take the next decade or more before it is completed.

“We would fight any proposals which would in any way jeopardise this.”

Andy Hodgkinson, head of the Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh, added: “ “I question whether it has been thought through properly. It is essential to ensure whatever is proposed does not damage the educational chances of a single boy or girl in this country."

Mark Flewitt, Tory deputy Southend councillor responsible for education, said: “It is going to be shocking news for the educational establishment who have been led to believe they will be absolutely secure.

“The whole situation of the country’s finances is going to present a challenge to any incoming Government.”