ALMOST 10 members of staff at Dean Academy are facing imminent redundancy.

In a letter to parents last Friday, the principal David Gaston said the cuts are necessary due to a reduction in student numbers. It is understood none of the cuts will affect teachers.

He said: "I would stress that the situation has nothing to do with the recent withdrawal of Prospects as a sponsor and is not connected with their funding.

"There are fewer students in the system at present and indicative data from the local authority shows that this will not change in the foreseeable future. We will have 300 students fewer in September than we had in September 2010, and our staffing levels need to reflect this both in terms of teachers and learning support staff. We have avoided having to make redundancies for the last two years through very careful budgeting but it is not sustainable in the longer term.

"The most important point to make to parents and carers is that we are fully staffed for September with appropriately qualified permanent staff apart from one position in science that will not be needed until January 2015. If your child has a statement of special educational need, s/he will receive the support that is set out in their statement. In September, in terms of permanent positions, our staffing will be at its most stable for a number of years."

A source, who didn't want to be named, told the Review: "The cut backs in number of front line staff are of serious concern. Compulsory redundancy of front line staff is going to set back its progress.

"But apart from the hardship that the redundant staff will face, the changes will mean more pressure on the staff who stay behind. This will not be good for the school, the community and most importantly, students."

County Councillor, Alan Preest added: "I would like to see, for the greater good of the community, students and parents, the school issue a definitive statement that sets out what is going on and, if necessary, hold a public meeting."

•A NUMBER of options have been discussed for further consideration regarding the school's future since Prospects withdrew its sponsorship in May.

During a recent meeting, staff met with two representatives from the Department for Education, where solutions included linking the academy to a national sponsor, becoming a stand alone academy with support from an outstanding school, and sharing governance.