HALTON’S first free school could cut more than £3 million in funding to existing schools and put teachers’ jobs at risk, warn councillors.

Five Runcorn parents have won support from the Government to form a secondary school and sixth form near Daresbury.

It is set to open in temporary portable classrooms in September, 2012, with 80 year seven pupils, and gradually expand to accommodate 900 pupils.

Halton Council is objecting to the proposals because of the financial impact it could have on Runcorn schools and Riverside College.

Clr John Swain, board member for children and young people, said: “There are already sufficient secondary places available. “Another school would clearly have a negative impact on existing schools.

“It would drain students away and our schools’ funding and numbers would go down. Money follows the pupils.

“We are delighted with the way our schools perform. It is very positive and is improving every year.

“The new academy has exceeded all expectations and is doing exceptionally well.”

If 80 Runcorn pupils go to the new school in 2012, Halton could lose £416,000. In five years’ time, this figure could soar to £3, 120,000.

An executive board report stated: “Ormiston Bolingbroke and The Grange are operating significantly below capacity.

“Any further loss may impact on their future sustainability and would certainly mean they would have to look to reduce staffing.”

Centrally employed staff who provide services to school could also be at risk, says the council, as free schools receive a grant to fund services previously provided by the local authority.