A headteacher has defended a decision to axe teachers and support staff.

Seven teachers and two administration staff have taken voluntary redundancy from the Kings Academy, in Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough, one of the "super schools" promoted by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The jobs were cut to counter the end of a £125,000 grant, which was part of a Government support scheme to help schools in disadvantaged areas.

Principal Nigel McQuoid said: "It is normal for a new school to re-evaluate staffing, the curriculum and so on, to be in a strong position moving forward."

He said education of students and fulfilling a mandate to raise standards was paramount.

Mr McQuoid added: "The restructuring has taken place in full consultation with all the staff and unions.

"It is pleasing that in so doing we have been able to address the necessary changes with voluntary solutions; that is enough staff have come forward to take the opportunity offered for early retirement or voluntary packages.''

Sue Percival, Teesside executive member for the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers, said: "At the moment, we have had one meeting and there is another one this week.

"We've got to discuss the criteria that they've set because when there is a redundancy, it is the job that goes, not the person.''

Mr McQuoid said: "Every good school should be looking at how it is going to respond to the major restructuring going on in 14-17 education at the moment, workforce development and the likely loss of the Leadership Incentive Grant from the Excellence in Schools next March which amounts to around £125,000 per school.