A head teacher has defended his school after it faced criticism for “forcing” parents into funding state education.

A letter sent to parents by Burford School head teacher Ian Garner asks for a £20 termly contribution to cover the costs of “in-house activities” for pupils, otherwise they could be cancelled.

The letter, sent on September 23, goes on to say: “If there are any circumstances where you are unable to pay, please put this in writing to myself.”

The school, in Marlow Bottom, has now faced criticism for the “unpleasant method of funding a state education.”

A parent, who did not want to be named, said: “They are sending out requests for voluntary contributions but stating that parents who cannot pay must write to the head teacher to explain.

“I appreciate that school funding is difficult and this practise is also used by some other schools but this is explicit and unfair.”

Mr Garner said the school has a “very small” budget and asking parents to put their reasons in writing helps the school plan what activities they can afford.

The school finished 2014/15 in a £44,000 deficit – a 3.25 per cent overspend – and was granted permission by Bucks County Council to repay it over two years.

In 2015/16, the school was £22,000 in deficit, with plans for it to be completely paid back this year.

Mr Garner, who has been in charge of the school since Easter, said: “It is not a position I want to be in or am comfortable with but we have been very honest with the community about the financial situation we are in.

“School budgets are under increasing strain and we are in a very difficult position. Once we have paid costs and salaries, it is approximately £80 a year to educate each child. Our budget is very small.”

Last year, over 95 per cent of parents contributed to the fund – enabling the school to deliver an “enriched” curriculum.

Mr Garner added: “In the letter, we consistently say it is a voluntary contribution – no child would be penalised or excluded if their parents could not pay.

“We want to be able to provide our children with the very best opportunities and education that they deserve and parents can see the tangible benefits of the contributions.”