THE response of the Education Secretary Charles Clarke to teacher funding campaigns was not unexpected, says a Worcestershire head.

Clive Corbett, headteacher at Pershore High School, said he was not surprised that Mr Clarke, who came to Worcester on Tuesday, defended the "inadequate" settlement awarded to the county's schools.

"We've had to learn to manage the inadequate funding over the 24 years I have been teaching in Worcestershire," said Mr Corbett.

"It becomes something of a resignation - it's the same old story.

"We've got a very good school and an excellent collection of staff and very committed students.

"We're let down by the fact that we can't do everything we want to do - we have to cut back on allocations to departments because we get an inadequate settlement."

Mr Corbett attended the lecture given by Mr Clarke at University College Worcester.

Beforehand he told the Evening News that the current funding formula is fair, despite Worcestershire receiving £30m less than neighbouring Birmingham.

"The truth is we have put in place a system which is fair across the range but it does prioritise areas where there is particular need," said Mr Clarke.

"Urban centres, such as Birmingham, are always going to be in a stronger position but within Worcestershire, and my constituency, Norfolk, we've put in prioritisation.

"The funding increase is 11 per cent, which is considerable. Costs are greater but they're in a strong position."