Parents and carers of Commonweal School pupils have been warned of impending cuts in teacher numbers and courses and increased class sizes.
Support staff numbers at the Old Town school, together with provision for students with special educational needs and those from low income households, are also set to be reduced.
A letter to parents and carers signed by headteacher Charles Drew blames the move largely on staff pay increases awarded by the Government but not fully funded.
The letter begins: "School budgets have reduced significantly in real terms over recent years. The Government have several times awarded pay increases to school staff that haven't been fully covered by extra funding. In addition, inflation has driven up other costs. We are in a better position than many schools, thus far we have managed the financial situation without significant visible cuts to provision. However, this is no longer possible.
"This year the government are once again proposing to award school staff pay rises without providing additional funding to schools. We welcome school staff being paid better. Our staff do an outstanding job and pay has not kept pace with inflation for the last decade or more. However, this is no longer possible."
The letter then outlines changes for the 2025/26 school year:
- A reduction in teacher numbers resulting in some larger classes, particularly Key Stage 4 and C6.
- A reduction in the number of courses offered at Key Stage 4. Courses in iMedia, Sociology and Health and Social Care will not be run for Year 10. The letter notes: "We will consult with current Year 9 students who opted for these subjects about what they would like to study instead. Current Year 10 students already taking these courses are unaffected. Other courses may yet be affected in Key Stage 4 or C6."
- Slightly reduced teaching hours to some smaller classes in C6.
- A reduction in the number of support staff such as teaching assistants, pastoral staff and administrators.
- A reduction in the amount of intervention and alternative provision available to help students with special educational needs.
- A reduction in support available to those on low incomes to help with trips, uniform, catering ingredients and other school costs.
- Most non-essential site improvement work will be cancelled or postponed.
Mr Drew points out that the school receives additional funding for each student who is registered for free school meals, and encourages those who believe they may be eligible to contact Swindon Borough Council.
The letter concludes: "It is with great regret that I am writing to you about this. Please rest assured that we make every effort to use the funding we receive wisely and to do the very best for all our students. Discussions between the government, school leaders and trade unions are on-going and the picture could yet change. However, we have to plan for 2025-26 on the basis of what we currently believe our income and costs will be."
The Department for Education has been approached for comment.
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