HEAD teachers today warned that school standards could be hit by £400,000 budget cuts being called for to help fill a £1.9 million gap in York's education budget.

Secondary schools could see their budgets slashed by £15,000 each, while primary schools could lose £5,000.

The cuts could mean staff reductions for some schools.

City of York Council's executive member for education, Coun Janet Looker, said it would be "extremely difficult" for some schools and a reduction in staff would be a consideration.

She said: "Staff are the biggest fixed cost in budgets. We will support schools and work hard with them to help them manage budgets, but I think it has to remain a consideration."

Kevin Deadman, head teacher of Canon Lee School, Clifton, said: "It will be hard to see how they can make a cuts in a situation where we have a growing school and an increasing number of youngsters. It is of considerable concern for us."

Fulford School head teacher Stephen Smith said: "As soon as you are talking about lack of funding you are wondering what the implications will be.

"If you have less money it will affect standards and could mean less money in classrooms and for taking on extra teachers."

The shortfall is due to a new way central Government funds local education authorities (LEAs), aimed at benefiting "poorer" areas.

York had expected a six per cent increase in funding, but will only receive 4.3 per cent leaving a shortfall of £1.1 million. The removal of some grants means a further £800,000 will be lost.

To make up for this, schools may be asked to contribute £430,000, with a further £670,000 coming from general council budgets and other cuts.

Coun Looker said York was one of the worst-funded LEAs in the country, receiving £200 per pupil less than the average for unitary authorities.

Education director Patrick Scott said a 4.3 per cent increase was not as generous as it seemed. The inflation rate within education was higher due to factors such as the teacher pay settlement and National Insurance contributions.

Updated: 12:01 Thursday, January 09, 2003