Hundreds of pupils are missing lessons as their school is forced to adopt a four-day week due to staff shortages.

Bognor Regis community college in West Sussex has reduced its timetable for Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils (11 to 14 year olds) for a month to safeguard older pupils preparing for A-levels and GCSEs.

Year 9 pupils though will be back to a five-day timetable next week.

The schools currently has 10 vacancies and is struggling to find supply teachers to fill the gaps.

Angry parents

Many parents are angry at the move, saying their children's education is suffering.

Kevin Welling has two sons who are affected by the four-day week.

"My eldest son is missing science and maths lessons today - now they're key subjects and that's not good enough," said Mr Welling.

"We both work, but my wife has gone casual so she can chose her days off - she'd already thought about doing it, but this situation was the straw that broke the camel's back."

Resolution

Jane Robinson, communications manager at West Sussex County Council, said the measures were only in place for four weeks, but was hopeful of an earlier resolution to the problem.

A lot was happening at the school on the recruitment front, she said.

"The head teacher is hopeful that we will get Years 7 and 8 back as soon as possible," she said.

"If we're able to get supply teachers we could be in a situation where next week or week after everyone is back to a five-day week."

The shortages arose when a number of staff at the school got promotion to other posts which began at the start of the summer term.