AT least 15 teaching jobs may go at Malvern's Chase school this year, as the number of pupils entering the school falls.

A report by headteacher Richard Jacobs, leaked to the Malvern Gazette, says two teacher assistants and one support staff worker may also be made redundant, as well as the teaching posts.

But this week Mr Jacobs told the Gazette the redundancies will not mean any cuts to the curriculum and said students will get the best possible education.

The proposals follow a round of redundancies in 2013/14 which saw 12 support jobs and three teaching jobs go. A second round, in 2015/16, saw a further nine teaching jobs and another support job go.

The report says the number of pupil joining the school has been in decline since 2010, from an expected figure of 270 to 210 in 2016/17, with a further fall expected this autumn.

Among the factors blamed for this decline are a falling number of young people in Malvern and the growing popularity of Dyson Perrins and Hanley Castle schools.

Mr Jacobs said another reason was a stabbing incident in the school in September 2014 and an Ofsted report.

He said: "In addition, a series of events has dented the confidence of local parents in the school, starting with a critical incident in September 2014 that received national and international media attention and an Ofsted judgement of 'Requiring Improvement' in November 2014. Further, the two rounds of redundancies and restructuring enforced upon the school by its circumstances has led to a reduced level of trust in the local community, compounded by hostile local media coverage."

The report says "savings of circa £800,000 can and should be found through this round of redundancies and restructuring. However, even if this amount is realised, the school is still likely to face a deficit position 2018-19 or 2019-120. It is expected, therefore, that a further, though smaller scale, round of redundancies may have to be made in the next two years if further reductions in costs cannot be identified."

In a statement to the Gazette issued on Wednesday, Mr Jacobs said: "Redundancies will reflect the change in roll and will not require any cuts to our curriculum. We will ensure that our students continue to receive the best possible education.

"The Chase has secured its best examination results ever over the last few years and secured a superb Ofsted report this summer, despite the difficult financial situation. Praise is due to our resilient and highly professional staff.