CHILDREN'S eduction should not depend on the success of a bid for school funding, a headteacher has said.

Mr Allan Grey told parents of the importance of equal opportunities for pupils when he addressed the upper school presentation night at Moorhead High School, Accrington.

He said schools no longer got resources according to needs, but on the basis of competitive bidding for funds.

He said: "This bid culture is divisive, does not ensure funds go to the areas of greatest need and actually diverts teacher time away from teaching which is our core task.

"Every child and each school should have protected and equal access to the education opportunities that the nation's budget can support."

The presentation evening was held to award the school's former year 11 pupils with their GCSE certificates.

Awards were also given out to current year 10 and 11 pupils for academic achievement and service to the school.

Parents, pupils, governors and special guest, Lancashire Evening Telegraph editor Peter Butterfield, heard that the school had achieved one of its highest pass rates during this summer's exams.

Mr Grey paid tribute to the pupils and also praised the teachers for a "tremendous job" under enormous pressure from changing Government policy.

He said teachers were being put under a great deal of pressure and highlighted figures to show the dramatic effect of stress on national staffing levels.

"Thankfully, as yet, we do not have such severe problems at Moorhead - but unless something is done to recognise the tremendous stresses and strain on the teaching profession then I fear for all our futures," he added.

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