Sidmouth College announced this week it is in consultation with staff over ‘possible redundancies’ - as the school faces ‘financially challenging’ times.

Principal Kenny Duncan said ‘staffing reductions’ could be necessary in order for the college to manage its budget until a funding shake-up, which will see more government cash given to Devon schools, comes into effect.

It is hoped any redundancies will be voluntary, he added.

Mr Duncan said: “Along with most Devon schools and many others across the country, Sidmouth College is facing a financially challenging period ahead. In order to keep the organisation as efficient as possible, the college is consulting staff on possible redundancies. It is hoped that staffing reductions will be voluntary and that the savings will enable the college to manage its budget until the ‘fairer funding’ flows to Devon schools via a national funding formula, which is currently being consulted upon.”

Mr Duncan told the Herald that he was unable to disclose any more information regarding any possible redundancies at this time.