Talks involving staff, trades unions and governors are under way to try to sort out what is described as a "financial crisis" at the school, which is also a specialist visual arts college.

"We have been over-staffed for some time and something must be done to bring the numbers down to normal levels," said school governor Hilary Myers.

"Some reductions are necessary, which is very regrettable, but we hope most will be through voluntary redundancy."

Mrs Myers said there had been a financial crisis at the school for some time which the governors would be discussing again at a special meeting on Monday.

She said the seriousness of the situation had only come to light since former head teacher Ed Collins was replaced by Patrick Ottley-O'Connor at the beginning of the last school year.

"No one is happy about this situation and there are going to have to be some painful decisions but morale at the school is high and examination results are improving," she said.

The head teacher was unavailable for comment on the problems which were apparently brought to the notice of staff during the summer holiday.
The Calderdale divisional secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Sue Mc-Mahon, said a meeting with staff was being arranged.

"There are serious implications for teachers, pupils and the curriculum, and we are reserving our position on what action to take," she said.

Calderdale Council's schools spokesman Craig Whittaker said spending at Todmorden High had gone "incredibly over budget."

"We have a statutory duty to monitor schools and it has been evident for some time that if something isn't done to curb the overheads, it will be an absolute disaster."

Councillor Whittaker (Con, Rastrick) said the authority would continue to support the school in whatever way it could.