Fears for Welshpool High School teaching posts

Up to five teaching jobs could be lost at Welshpool High School over the next few years because of a cash crisis, it has been claimed. Councillor John Morgan delivered the warning at last night's town council meeting.

He said the school was given less funding than any of the county's other 12 secondary schools despite being one of the biggest.

He claimed the school, which has 1,300 pupils, was having a difficult time dealing with the funding crisis.

"The school is the most underfunded secondary school in Powys per pupil and I know it is having serious financial implications," he said. "I've been told that up to five teaching jobs could be lost."

John Evans, Powys County Council communications manager, said: "All schools in Powys receive funding under the 'Fairer Funding Formula' which allocates resources on a consistent basis using criteria such as pupil numbers, floor space, special education needs, Welsh provision and level of activities."

The news comes as hundreds are expected to attend a meeting at Newtown High School at 6pm tonight.