Schools already forced to choose between teaching kids and heating classrooms are facing shocking new cuts, a South West London MP has warned. Richmond schools could see their spending power slashed by £3.3 million, according to new figures.

Headteachers are warning they will have to cut teaching assistants, mental health support and school clubs to make ends meet, Twickenham MP Munira Wilson said.

The education spokesperson for the Lib Dems called on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt not to cut real-terms funding for schools and colleges during the Autumn Statement on November 17.

The fresh figures from the School Cuts campaign, run by the National Education Union, suggest drastic cuts to schools' spending power in 2023/24 compared to 2022/23. The figures estimate spending power after taking into account increases in teacher salaries, pensions, tax and non-staff costs.

The data suggests 50 out of 56 schools in Richmond will face cuts next year totalling £3.3 million, or £127 per pupil. Nine in ten schools across England will have less spending power next year compared to last year, according to the figures.

The MP said parents and teachers "will be rightly angry if the Chancellor announces more cuts to schools and colleges next week". She said "school trips are already being axed, teaching assistants are being laid off and urgent classroom repairs are being ignored". 

She added: "Under this government, schools must choose between teaching children or heating classrooms. Headteachers are warning that they will have to cut teaching assistants, mental health support and school clubs in order to make ends meet."

A spokesperson for the Department for Education said: "We understand the challenges facing schools driven by high inflation. To support them at this time, we are providing schools with £53.8 billion this year in core funding, including a cash increase of £4billion for this financial year. This is a 7per cent per pupil increase in cash terms across schools and high needs.

"All schools will benefit from the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, reducing how much they need to spend on their energy and giving them greater certainty over their budgets over the winter months. We are also providing schools with tools and information to help get the best value for money from their resources."