THE director of education says he is dismayed and disappointed at news that Worcestershire schools will not be better off under a new funding formula.

Julien Kramer has hit out at the Government for offering at best only £56 per pupil extra.

The bombshell was revealed in yesterday's Evening News and claimed that out of the three funding options open to the Government, this was the one that offered the most money.

The council is not guaranteed to receive the funding and could be left with less.

"As the chief officer who is responsible for 80,000 children in an authority where we've set challenging targets, I'm actually worried about morale in the service," said Mr Kramer.

"We're raising standards every year.

"I'm asking people to work with larger class groups, fewer staff, longer hours and to work harder.

"They're doing it. The staff are wonderful but there is a limit as to how much we can ask of people.

"I'm very disappointed and I know the service will be very surprised. But we will carry on raising standards.

"With the extra £10m we feel we've been promised we could move this service on dramatically.

"The heads are furious and really feel betrayed. There is a lot of dismay about."

There are four funding options currently under consideration by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

They place heavy weighting on factors such as deprivation, which could steer money away from Worcestershire.

The final funding formula will not be announced until Monday, September 30, after extensive consultation.

"At first glance it's bad news," said Coun Adrian Hardman, cabinet member for resources.

"But I want to read it thoroughly before I give a more detailed response."