Headteachers fear teaching standards could fall dramatically as school budgets are set to drop in real terms.

The Enfield Secondary Heads Association has condemned the decision to keep their annual budgets at the same level.

This means that the budgets, set by the Department of Education, will not be match inflation to cover increased pay for support staff, increases to pension contributions and a one per cent pay rise for teachers from September.

Dr Susan Tranter, headteacher at Edmonton County High School, in Great Cambridge Road, Edmonton, has slammed the decision and told the Enfield Independent that schools could have to find £400,000 to cover the rise.

She said: “It is a worry situation that we are being put in and it could result in a number of difficult outcomes.

“Staff are most likely going to have to be cut along with an increase in pupils per classroom. Unless extra money is found this is looking like a real possibility.”

Dr Tranter, chairman of the Enfield Secondary Heads Association believes standards could also be at risk.

She added: “Sending staff on training will also be impacted. It’s a critical situation and one of the biggest schools could face.”

Bruce Goddard, headteacher at Highlands School, in World’s End Lane, Enfield, said: “This is not scaremongering – we face a real crisis and we cannot allow a situation to develop.

“Enfield Secondary Heads will be asking for meetings with the Leader of Enfield Council and our local MP’s to ensure that that they appreciate the gravity of the situation. We will be discussing our strategy at our next meeting. Primary schools are also affected.”