PROGRESS made on schools in West Berkshire in budget deficits has been praised as “highly commendable”.

Four schools this time last year were spending more money than they were taking in. But now three of the schools are in a better financial position, with one in a worse place.

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Two schools will still be in deficit: Beenham primary and St Finians primary, with Beenham in a worse place than was predicted last year.

But the other two schools, Westwood Farm and the Willink, are now out of deficit and setting a balanced budget.

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The update was detailed by Melanie Ellis, the chief accountant at West Berkshire Council, at a meeting of the schools forum on March 9. The progress was praised by the forum.

Graham Spellman, from the diocese of Portsmouth, said: “Given the difficulties that all schools are facing, I think it’s highly commendable that it looks as though we only have two schools at the end of the year in deficit.

“I think it’s a remarkable achievement.”