A MULTI-million pound deficit expected to impact funding for Darlington’s schools and its pupils has been raised with the Secretary of State for Education.

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman has penned a letter to Justine Greening outlining concerns from parents and headteachers on school funding and creating a fair deal for the town’s schools.

The letter comes after 39 headteachers in Darlington urged parents to lobby the Government earlier this week by writing Ms Greening and Schools Minister Nick Gibb.

The move is hoped to make an impact before the education system faces fresh budget challenges.

Ms Chapman letter states: “In Darlington, it is predicted that our schools will lose £6,111,359 by 2019.

“That is a loss of £427 per pupil.

“These estimates are in cash, not real terms.

“I cannot see how this is fair.

“Eight of Darlington’s wards are amongst the most deprived 10 per cent in England, with approximately 21 per cent of the local authority’s children living in poverty.”

The letter to Ms Greening continues: “As Secretary of State for Education, it is your job to fight in cabinet for the resources needed to secure the best education for all children and young people in every region.”

“If the proposed cuts to funding take place, you will have failed in this task.”

Some of Darlington schools already being hit by the cuts are Carmel College, which has recorded a 21 per cent funding decrease and Skerne Park Primary School’s budget has been slashed by 24 per cent.