A DROITWICH Spa headteacher is attending a top level Government meeting to call for fairer education funding.

Witton Middle School head David Coll is among a Worcestershire Schools Funding Campaign delegation which is set to meet schools minister David Miliband.

Joined by Spa MP Peter Luff and a number of other campaigners, Mr Coll will help present Worcestershire's case for extra cash to bolster classroom budgets.

The county has a long history of under funding but this year it has been hit hard by the Government's new funding formula.

Short-changed

Headteachers, school staff, governors and parents claim Worcestershire has been short-changed and want an Area Cost Adjustment grant to help plug the gap between neighbouring areas.

Mr Luff previously claimed Spa pupils get £390 less each year than the average British pupil.

Mr Coll, who has led his Old Coach Road school for nine years, said his already tight budget is now £28,500 short, when compared with 2002/2003.

"I have been forced to cut back on books, resources, maintenance and professional development for staff.

"This cannot go on and the meeting we have secured is crucial for campaigners," he added.

Mr Miliband is due to meet the group at his London offices on Wednesday, June 25, at 5pm.

He will be presented with a petition calling for action and the delegation will table the county's case.