Crisis-ridden University of Chester Academies Trust (UCAT) is considering axing 19 teaching posts and 24 support staff across its seven schools in Cheshire and Staffordshire.

Worst hit could be the University Church of England Academy in Ellesmere Port where affected staff could include 9.63 (full time equivalent) teachers and 5.8 FTE support staff.

But University Church Free School in Union Street, Chester , could also lose two support staff.

University Church Free School in Union Street, Chester.

The trust is also in discussions with the Department for Education about the ‘possibility’ of finding new sponsors for some schools.

UCAT has received a financial notice to improve from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) after it was reported debts of £3m had been built-up. Most spending decisions by the chain must now be run past the ESFA under the terms of the notice.

Education secretary Damian Hinds has agreed to meet MPs with UCAT schools in their constituencies to discuss an ‘urgent solution’.

Education secretary Damian Hinds

In 2017 UCAT was criticised by Ofsted for failing in its school improvement strategies and ‘below average’ standards in some of its schools.

A spokesperson for UCAT said in a statement issued on Tuesday (May 15): “The trust has received a financial notice to improve from the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). It has been working very closely with the ESFA for a number of months to address financial pressures and is working towards financial health.

“Due to the current numbers of pupils, staffing structures for both teaching and support staff are being reviewed across all schools within the trust. Consultations are about to begin for affected schools.”

The statement added: “The trust continues to have ongoing discussions with the Department for Education (DfE) and is looking at all options, including the possibility of finding new sponsors for some schools.

“UCAT is committed to providing the best educational experience it can for its pupils. It will support all its staff during this challenging time and is working very closely with trade unions and the Department for Education (DfE) throughout this process.”