Three head teachers say budget cuts could lead to redundancies

Sixth form provision at Ysgol Ruabon, Ysgol Morgan Llwyd and The Maelor School may also be reduced, they said.

Wrexham Council has blamed the problem on a lack of understanding of previous budget allocations made to schools.

Elwa said its budget increases had been above average year on year, but its new process would help "equalise funding".

The council said the problem has been compounded by Elwa requesting the repayment of �191,000 made to Wrexham's local education authority (LEA) last year due to an accounting error.

It's like being pushed over a cliff without parachute Head teacher Peter Shaw

Ysgol Ruabon head teacher Peter Shaw called the situation "a mess and very worrying".

"There's a big gap between the council and Elwa over the way we should be funded," he said.

"The council believes we should be getting �3,500 per pupil, but Elwa says we only need �2,272.

"Unless we get more money we're potentially facing a very serious situation. It's like being pushed over a cliff without parachute."

An Elwa spokesman said: "Elwa is in discussions with Wrexham LEA about securing the repayment of funding following their over claim.

One head teacher says Wrexham's students receive less money

"We will, of course, ensure that we secure this reclaim in a way that safeguards the interests of learners.

"Since Elwa inherited the responsibility for LEA funding in 2002, it has given significant and above inflation increases year on year.

"Elwa is currently implementing a new National Planning and Funding System (NPFS) which is designed to eradicate the post code lottery for sixth form funding in Wales.

"Wrexham is traditionally one of the lowest funded LEA's in Wales - a situation that Elwa inherited.

"The NPFS will start the process of equalising the funding and, by 2010, Elwa will have delivered a level playing field to sixth form funding throughout Wales."