NEW research has found the ratio of pupils to each classroom teacher has gone up in more than 55 per cent of the area's secondary schools in the past two years.

The School Cuts Coalition have analysed the figures since 2014/15 and warned it means children and young people will be receiving less attention in school.

The group, which is made up of education unions from across the country, found in Blackburn with Darwen the ratio has gone up in 59 per cent of schools.

Meanwhile the ratio has gone up in 56 per cent of schools in Lancashire over the same period.

Calls have been made for further funding to be made available to schools in the area to help combat the issues.

Simon Jones, Blackburn with Darwen NUT secretary said, “Government cuts to education are really hurting Blackburn with Darwen’s schools.

"Fewer teachers per student will inevitably have a damaging effect on pupil’s education.”

The latest research, drawn from figures produced by the Government, shows in England, secondary school staff numbers have fallen by 15,000 between 2014/15 and 2016/17 despite them having 4,500 more pupils to teach.

Kathy Eagar, Blackburn with Darwen ATL secretary said: “We should be investing in our young people.

"Education Secretary Damian Hinds must make school funding is top priority.”

The School Cuts Coalition warns that the situation is likely to get even worse, as 17,942 primary and secondary schools in England and Wales are predicted to be hit by a real-terms cut in funding per pupil between 2015 and 2019.

Cllr Dave Harling, executive member for schools and education at Blackburn with Darwen council, said he was shocked at the figures and there could be several reasons behind them.

He said: "If that is the case then that's quite sad and disturbing.

"It has an impact on a child's education.

"We want to make sure they get the best teaching possible.

"It's a bit of a political issue, there have been cuts in the public sector and schools have been hit by this.

"Clearly a lack of funding puts pressure on the schools.

"You've got to say there is also a shortage of teachers in some areas and subjects, it's a difficult job with a lot of admin involved."