SECONDARY schools are having hundreds of thousands of pounds taken from their budgets to help pay for new 'advanced learning centres'.
Barnsley Council is providing nine new super-schools across the borough as part of its 'remaking learning programme.
It is anticipated that construction will cost about £330m, with the existing secondary schools expected to contribute towards that figure.
The sum taken from each school differs, based on pupil numbers, but many will pay in the region of £300,000 next financial year.
One concerned teacher said the diversion of funds from schools - known as budget top-slicing - will mean pupils and staff lose out.
He added: "I am fed up with being told, in effect, that we have to pay for these new schools."
Teachers' union the NUT also has concerns the financial agreement could affect schools' ability to maintain standards.
Barnsley secretary Pete Bevis said significant sums were involved. "It is inevitable there will be an impact on the way all teaching and learning is organised. The scenario was put to schools that in order for the deal to go ahead they would have to 'volunteer' that they agreed to top-slicing. Not all schools did agree."
Even so, next financial year schools will start contributing to the BSF project - which is mostly funded by government cash.
Some headteachers told the Chronicle they had known what was coming and had set budgets accordingly.
Willowgarth headteacher Tony Loveday said the school's budgets would stay in the black.
"Whatever the top-slicing is then each school has known for 18 months. If you know in advance you can budget around these things."
Michael Sanderson, chairman of Kirk Balk school's governing body, said about £300,000 was being taken from the school's £6m budget.
"It will mean we shall have to look very carefully at our budget. We have already started making plans and I do not anticipate we will have deficits.
"If it is a choice between making a financial contribution and getting a fantastic new school we are going to do everything we can to make sure we get a new school."
Coun Linda Burgess, the councillor responsible for schools, said schools had agreed to contribute 'early in the BSF process' and had been consulted.
“Regular meetings with head teachers will continue to discuss any issues that may arise and we will work closely with schools to assist them in their budget processes and financial planning.
"I am confident that they will all continue to manage their way through the process successfully, as they have consistently done so far.”
