BRUTAL cuts to schools' budgets could be worse than first feared, the National Union of Teachers [NUT] has revealed.

Late last year a report claimed schools in Reading could lose around £5.8m by 2019, causing widespread panic among parents and education chiefs.

However, today it emerged schools could in fact face a deficit of nearly £9m, the cost of employing 240 teachers.

NUT secretary Joan Boyd said: “The Government is breaking its promise to protect school budgets.

"Parents in Reading should be deeply concerned by these damaging cuts that hit almost every school.

"The Government must act now to protect schools.”

The new predicted budget change would mean each pupil in Reading will lose £522 from their government funding.

Among the worst effected schools will be John Madejski Academy in Whitley, which could lose up to £1,190,738 from its budget.

Based on the average salary of £37,500, that amount would cover the cost for 34 teachers.

Dave Prentis, general secretary of UNISON, added: "Cash-strapped schools are struggling to give children a decent education.

"The funding crisis means overcrowded classrooms, support staff not being replaced and parents having to pay towards the cost of lessons. Children, parents and staff deserve so much better."