School asks parents to set up direct-debit

Chew Valley School has asked the parents of all 1,150 students to set up monthly payments or send "one off" donations via text message. Credit: Chew Valley school

A school in North Somerset is asking parents to donate money to help them counter the effect of government spending cuts.

The headmaster of Chew Valley School, Mark Mallett, wrote an open letter asking for financial help and even suggested that parents should set up monthly standing orders.

Mr Mallett has already slashed departmental budgets by 10% and warned that up to four teaching jobs will be lost unless more funds can be found.

He asked the parents of all 1150 students to set up monthly payments or send "one off" donations via text message.