IPSWICH: Major concerns have been raised by union members after another Suffolk school faces teaching redundancies.

Holbrook High School in Ipswich Road confirmed they met with teaching staff last month to inform them that redundancies were a real possibility.

During the meeting, on February 17, staff and union leaders were given packs to explain the situation in the school.

The packs asked if any staff would be willing to consider either voluntary redundancy, early retirement or if they would consider working part time.

Diane Russell, the business manager of the school, said: “We have to be proactive, the staff here are being very supportive and we have had help from Suffolk County Council.

“At the moment we are at the stage where staff are being encouraged to think about their future plans.

“At the end of this week we want to be made aware of what they want to do.”

Graham White, secretary of the Suffolk branch of the NUT, said he was worried there could yet be more schools in Ipswich which may need to cut down on teaching staff.

He said: “It implies that there is a problem and to the best of my knowledge there’s not a significant drop in numbers. I am concerned about Holbrook and where they may be going in the future.

“I am concerned because there are a number of schools in Ipswich that could face this. It is a major concern.”

At the beginning of March it was announced that Thurleston High School were going to have to cut one in five teaching jobs and Claydon High School is also facing cuts to staff due to financial pressures.

Staff at Holbrook will need to make the school aware of their positions by March 25.

n Should more be done to save teaching posts in Suffolk? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk