A HEADTEACHER is demanding an extra £5.5 billion to make schools “world-class”.

Jules White, head of Tanbridge House School in Horsham, is leading a campaign urging the Government to spend more on education and improve schools.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to announce the Tories’ spending priorities in Parliament’s budget meeting on Wednesday.

Mr White said Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s pledge to provide £7.1 billion more to schools over the next three years was not enough to deliver top education for pupils.

“Even after the welcome Government investment set for April 2020, cash-starved schools still require a major long-term funding plan to meet the needs of children and their families over the next ten years,” he said.

“The will from every school and every teacher to deliver a world-class system is there.

“But the resources are not.”

Parent and Save Our Schools campaigner Sarah Maynard said children experienced the impact of education cuts on a daily basis.

“Class sizes are rising, the number of teaching assistants is reducing which impacts on all children in the classroom, school trips are being cancelled and the curriculum is narrowing,” she said.

“This is not the start in life our kids need or deserve.

“The extra £7.1 billion that has been promised over the next three years is a drop in the ocean.

“It won’t be enough to reverse the damage that has been done to our schools following many years of funding cuts.

“We are calling for a long-term spending plan that will not only turn around the dire situation that many of schools are now in, but deliver a world-class education system for all our children and young people.”

But the Department for Education has not pledged to match the extra funding demanded by campaigners.

A spokeswoman said: “This Government wants to build an education system that boosts productivity, improves social mobility and equips children and adults with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the bright future that lies ahead.

“That is why we are levelling up funding to ensure all schools have the right investment to deliver an outstanding education.

“On top of this, we are increasing high needs funding for local authorities by £780 million next year, as well as £400 million cash boost for 16-19 funding.”