Almost 30 jobs will be axed at Deal's only secondary school as it attempts to climb out of £3 million worth of debt.

The figures come after a Goodwin Academy staff presentation was leaked to our sister paper the East Kent Mercury detailing the extent of financial mismanagement by sponsor School's Company Trust.

New chief executive Angela Barry has since drafted in financial experts to deliver a swift action plan and resolve the monetary issues by September.

Other cost-cutting changes include an increase in class sizes, reduction of GCSE option choices and work experience, a review of leadership pay scales plus the suspension of its Middle Years Programme.

Mrs Barry said: “The decision to restructure the school is not one I came to lightly, but it is necessary so that the school is a financially sustainable organisation, and will mean a more effective and efficient curriculum, while leadership responsibilities will be more streamlined.

“Our action plan will ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the school without negatively impacting on standards.

“The shortcomings are at trust level and are regrettable, but I am determined to resolve them, and I will be working very hard and to the very best of my ability to make sure that happens.

"Goodwin Academy is understandably popular, and with Simon Smith at the helm, parents should continue to have real confidence that it will deliver for young people."

The trust carried over £1,660,000 debt from the year 2016/17.

Last year it overspent by a further £1,413,000 resulting in a current debt of £3,073,000.

As a result a total of 29 jobs are on the line - 10 teaching and 19 support staff.

An increase in Year 7 places from September is also hoped to mitigate the funding shortfall.