Schools may sue over A-level funding cuts

SCHOOLS are threatening to sue the Government over funding cuts that could deny 50,000 pupils sixth-form places this year.

A-levels in less popular subjects could be axed in some schools, according to the Association of Teachers and Lecturers.

Head teachers are considering court action, union figures said.

The fiasco was caused by the Government's funding agency underestimating the number of teenagers applying for A-levels.

The Learning and Skills Council told heads last month that extra money promised last year would not be available after all.

Schools minister Jim Knight said the Government was funding record numbers of sixth-form places, and the LSC's mistaken promise of cash was "unfortunate".