A Maidstone grammar school has called on parents to lobby the government for funding after it announced it will axe four subjects.

German, classical civilisation, ICT and Latin will no longer be offered to GCSE or A-level students at Oakwood Park Grammar School from September next year.

In a letter to parents headteacher Kevin Moody said the school faced a very bleak financial future and encouraged them to write to MPs to lobby the government for more money.

ICT is being scrapped across the country. The associated subject of computing will continue to be an option at GCSE and A-level for students at the school.

National Insurance costs, staff pay rises, pension contributions, and cuts to sixth form funding have left the Tonbridge Road academy struggling.

Mr Moody said in the letter while the government has pledged to protect the per-pupil budget there are no plans to increase it and only a sudden and unlikely expansion in pupil numbers will help counter the problems.

He added pupils already studying the subjects will be able to complete them.

Mr Moody added: "I am really sorry to give you this news. It is something that I as headteacher and on behalf of the Governing Body are loathe to do but as already explained, financial pressures are very significant at present and are unlikely to change for some time, as I understand it. If, as I do, you feel strongly about this, I would encourage you to write a letter to your local MP."