Teachers spending 'own money' to meet schools shortfall

Teachers in some of the region's schools say they are having to spend their own money to maintain standards.

According to the Institute of Fiscal Studies since 2010 education spending in real terms has fallen by 14% while schools' costs are rising.

Ryan Kelsall, the Principal at Impington Village college in Cambridgeshire, says that unless schools get more money, standards will fall

"We're looking at a 9% increase in costs over the next couple of years and that's going to be very challenging," he said.

"We're very proud of the success we've had at Impington, we feature in the top 3% of schools nationally, but realistically how long can that continue?

"If we are really saying we value young people, we value education then giving it less money - or not the right amount of money - isn't really giving that message."

The head of maths, Sian Mawditt, says teachers are dipping into their own pockets to meet the shortfall.

"My team are going above and beyond what they are really paid to do," she said.

"They are working after school, they're putting their own money into resources, they're taking themselves on training courses, just so that we can maintain the excellent standards that our students are used to.

"It's hard to say but on average per month I'm spending about £100 of my own money."