Figures released last week reveal that Richmond's secondary schools are bearing the brunt of staff cuts, with the loss of 45 teachers in the past year.
Conservative Councillor Geoffrey Samuel, former headmaster of Heathland secondary school in Hounslow, said: "These figures are far worse than I thought. Secondary schools are a priority in this borough, and for the pupil/teacher ratio to rise by 10 percent is quite deplorable. It will mean larger class sizes in secondary schools."
He blamed the reduction in the number of secondary teachers on early retirements and the non-renewal of temporary contracts.
But a spokesman for Richmond LEA said the reductions were linked to changes in staff structures at the borough's eight secondary schools and cuts at Christ's School in Richmond.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article