'˜Children do not get a say in what happens'

Rubie Blackman, who goes to Warren Park Primary School in Havant, spoke up in front of supporters in Commercial Road about the impact cuts have on children.

Speaking to The News, Rubie said: ‘I feel like the children don’t get much of a say in this.

‘We need more money for schools so we can get a better education, for better jobs and better lives.

‘When we get older, we are going to be having families and we need money for that.

‘But if we don’t have good education, it means we won’t get a lot of money, which means not having a good job.’

Meanwhile, Louise Cahill, a teacher at Crofton Hammond Junior School in Stubbington fears pressure to ensure students are ready for exams will lead to many 11-year-olds branded as failures if they don’t perform.

Ms Cahill said: ‘I love the kids in my class.

‘I want them to do really well and that’s becoming more and more difficult to do.

‘I seem to be pushing them towards tests at the end of Year 6.

‘I have been teaching for 21 years and it’s really changed.

‘This is massively about their future. I know the exam factory thing is bandied about, but it’s true.

‘For Year 6 pupils, from January, it’s all about test practice. My worry is, children will be branded as failures at age 11.’